Bronze and Modern Gods

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, a classic John Byrne Doctor Doom cover is starting to move.Our Hot Book of the Week is FANTASTIC FOUR #258 from 1983, featuring one of Byrne’s most memorable Doctor Doom covers. Raw copies are now selling for as much as $18, but is this the beginning of a bigger move or just a temporary bump?For the 25 Year Rule, we revisit WOLVERINE: THE ORIGIN #1 from 2001, the series that finally revealed the mysterious past Marvel had protected for decades. We look back at why the story was such a major event, how it changed Wolverine forever, and why raw copies can still be found for around $6.Our Underrated Books of the Week include:TALES OF SUSPENSE #59, featuring the beginning of Captain America’s Silver Age solo feature, the start of the Iron Man and Captain America split-book format, and the first appearance of Edwin Jarvis.THE MAZE AGENCY #1, an affordable early Adam Hughes comic featuring full sequential artwork years before he became one of the industry’s most sought-after cover artists.Plus, Viewer Mail, a little Show & Tell, new Member shoutouts, and our Soundtrack of the Week.Become a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

Captain America has carried Marvel’s ideals for decades… but even the Sentinel of Liberty has had a few storylines where the shield couldn’t save the script.In this episode of Bronze and Modern Gods, we count down the Top 5 Worst Captain America Stories of All Time - the bizarre detours, the misfires, and the infamous arcs that made fans collectively say, “Wait… they did WHAT?” No spoilers in this description - just know this list includes choices that will spark debate, plus a couple Honorable Mentions that nearly made the cut.Also: Channel Members got this video early. If you want early access to episodes, weekly members-only livestreams, extended Show & Tell, and member shoutouts, hit the JOIN button next to Subscribe or join here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/joinNow the important part: what’s YOUR pick for the worst Cap story ever? Drop it in the comments — and brace yourself for the countdown.Become a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, we’re covering a major piece of industry news and a wild new DC launch — plus some deep-cut collector picks.Breaking News: Torpedo Comics is closing, and we talk through what that means for collectors, retailers, and the shifting realities of the direct market - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYsHtJURoBa/Hot Book of the Week: Absolute Green Arrow #1 (DC, 2026) — the premiere issue that reimagines Green Arrow as a serial killer targeting billionaires, and also introduces Black Canary into the Absolute Universe. It’s still at cover price for now, but we’re watching where this goes.Old Fart Rule: Justice #1 (Marvel, 1986) — a strange, debated entry in Marvel’s New Universe experiment, with Archie Goodwin on the first issue and a premise that didn’t quite match the line’s “world outside your window” pitch.Underrated Books of the Week:Swords of Cerebus #1 (Aardvark-Vanaheim, 1981) — an early experiment in collected editions that helped pave the way for the graphic novel boom.Frankenstein #1 (Marvel, 1973) — a Mike Ploog horror standout, adapted from Mary Shelley, with raw copies still approachable while top-grade slabs can climb into serious money.Plus viewer mail, Show & Tell, and new member shoutouts.Become a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, Free Comic Book Day turns into a real collector debate.Hot Book of the Week: Dungeon Crawler Carl #0 - a FCBD giveaway that’s already flipping online, with some fans upset that certain retailers were charging for a “free” book. We also talk about the animated adaptation in the works from Seth MacFarlane for Peacock, and the surprising crossover collectible angle with the Absolute Batman exclusive variant tied to the one-shot.Old Fart Rule: American Flagg! #1 (First Comics, 1986) - Howard Chaykin’s indie dystopia that nailed media saturation, corporate control, and celebrity culture before those themes became mainstream comics staples.Underrated Books of the Week:D.R. & Quinch (2000 AD) - early Alan Moore chaos with art by Alan Davis, a cult classic that’s still affordable.Marvel Spotlight #1 (1971) - Marvel’s tryout series debut and a fascinating early-’70s experiment that remains approachable in raw, with wild high-grade upside.Plus: Show & Tell, new member shoutouts, and viewer mail.Become a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week, we’re hitting two very different corners of comics history that both left a permanent mark.Old Fart Rule: Daredevil #227 (1986) — the opening chapter of Born Again. We break down why this issue is one of the most influential “broken hero” stories ever published, how it elevated Kingpin into a next-level threat, and what the current market looks like for raw copies and high-grade slabs.Underrated Book of the Week: CRAZY Magazine #1 (1973) — Marvel’s MAD-style satire magazine that served as a surprisingly stacked time capsule of creators and the company’s own sense of humor. We also talk about CRAZY’s wildest legacy moments, including the infamous “Kaspar the Dead Baby” strip, plus later staples like Obnoxio the Clown and Chester Weems, the Teen Hulk.Plus the usual Show & Tell and viewer mail.If you’re into comics history, market reality checks, and deep-cut books that don’t get enough love, this episode’s for you.Plus a little Show & Tell and Viewer mail!#comicbooks #bronzeagecomics #archiecomics #planetary #marvelcomics #comiccollecting #comicspeculation #bronzeandmoderngodsBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, we cover a collector-driven episode with a little bit of everything: modern variant heat, 1980s satire, and two underrated books that deserve way more attention.Hot TopicAscencia #31 (1:25 Arthur Adams variant) and the variant strategy that’s turning a low-volume indie into a high-impact market mover, with multiple scarcity tiers fueling demand.Old Fart RuleBoris the Bear #1 (Dark Horse, 1986), the perfect time capsule of the black-and-white comics boom, complete with a second printing and a surprisingly long run across two publishers.Underrated Books of the WeekRichard: Suicide Squad #1 (1987), the launch of the modern Squad and the blueprint that shaped later adaptations.John: Not Brand Echh #1 (1967), Marvel’s official parody book and a weirdly revealing snapshot of how the company saw itself while the superhero universe was still forming.Plus Show & Tell, new member shoutouts, and viewer mail.Become a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, we’re breaking down another brand-new comic that’s already selling above cover price immediately after release.Hot Book of the Week:Tigress Island #1 (Image Comics) is showing immediate post-release heat, with copies selling around $11–$17. We talk about what to watch for with books that spike this fast, why sold listings matter more than asking prices, and why issues #2 and #3 will be the real test.Old Fart Rule:Justice Machine Featuring the Elementals #1 (Comico, 1986). We dig into this overlooked crossover mini and the bigger story behind it: Comico’s ill-fated push into newsstand distribution, why returnability crushed publishers, and why newsstand copies from this window are a fascinating collecting wrinkle today.Underrated Books of the Week:Classics Illustrated #1 (The Three Musketeers) — the book that launched an entire educational comics line, with real collector demand for early printings.The Double Life of Private Strong #1 (1959) — a pivotal Joe Simon/Jack Kirby superhero revival right before Kirby’s return to Marvel, featuring the first appearance of The Fly.Plus viewer mail, Show & Tell, new member shoutouts, and market talk throughout.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

A brand-new comic is already selling for multiples of cover price before most readers have even opened a copy - and this week we’re asking what’s really going on with the market.Hot Book of the Week: Is Ted OK? #1 from Mad Cave Comics is the latest indie debut catching rapid aftermarket attention, joining a growing list of new releases heating up almost instantly. Is this genuine demand…or another short-term flip cycle?Then our Old Fart Rule heads back to 1986 with Legends #1, DC’s major post-Crisis event that helped redefine the superhero landscape and launch a new era for multiple titles across the DC Universe.And for Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight:Mech Cadet Yu #1 — a modern mecha underdog story that quietly built a strong following.Life With Archie #190 — featuring Archie Comics’ own mad scientist Doctor Doom in one of the strangest Bronze Age stories you’ll ever hear about… involving eternal life, foam rubber, and pulverized nacho chips.Plus Viewer Mail, Show & Tell, market talk, and more from the comic community.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

Yes… we know. The episode is a day late. We regret nothing except our concept of time. 😅This week we dig into a brand-new release already selling for crazy prices - D’ORC #1. Is it genuine demand, speculative frenzy, or straight-up funny business?Then we rewind to 1986, when The Punisher #1 proved comics were ready for darker, grittier heroes and helped reshape an entire decade of storytelling.Plus underrated picks you should NOT be ignoring:• A scarce Golden Age Western sleeper• The brilliantly bleak Strikeforce: Morituri #1 - superheroes with an expiration dateViewer mail, show & tell, and the usual collector chaos included.Thanks for your patience - and remember: being late is just pre-retro.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on the show, John and Richard review and recap this year‘s Cal Comic Con, and then show off all the comic books they acquired at this very special convention! There are some serious surprises in store! Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHT...📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

This week on Bronze & Modern Gods, we dig into one of the most important turning points in X-Men history!The Old Fart Rule kicks off with Uncanny X-Men #210 (1986) — the opening chapter of Mutant Massacre, the storyline that helped define the modern multi-title crossover and permanently darkened the tone of Marvel’s mutant books.We also break down a major market mover:• Mister Miracle #1 (1971) — first appearance of Scott Free and Oberon — seeing a massive spike in sales fueled by news of an upcoming animated series in development for HBO.Plus, our Underrated Books of the Week:• The Invaders #8 (1976) — WWII horror, Baron Blood, and why this Bronze Age sleeper still flies under the radar• Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life #1 (2004) — the indie comic that launched a cultural phenomenonIf you love key issues, smart speculation, and comics history with perspective, this one’s for you.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

Is Marvel’s Ultimate Endgame #1 blind bag a future key - or a disaster waiting to happen? This week we dig into early reports of damaged copies, why some stores are already seeing uneven quality, and how higher-grade examples could separate themselves from the pack.We also tackle eBay scammers, crack open viewer mail, and share a little Show & Tell.For our Old Fart Rule, we rewind to 1986 and revisit Watchmen #1, the issue that redefined superhero comics and helped usher in the Modern Age. From its lasting cultural impact to current collector prices, we break down why this book still matters nearly four decades later.Plus, in Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight:Bloodstone #1 (2001) - the ahead-of-its-time debut of Elsa BloodstoneMarvel Premiere #57 (1980) - the first U.S. comic book appearance of Doctor Who in the Marvel lineAll that, market talk, collector insight, and plenty of old-school perspective — let’s get into it.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com

Doctor Doom once again takes center stage as Infamous Iron Man #1 surges after Marvel announces a major reprint push tied to Avengers: Doomsday. We break down why this 2016 series - featuring Doom as Iron Man and Tony Stark as an AI - is suddenly back on collectors’ radar.For this week’s 25 Year Rule, we rewind to Batgirl #1 (2000), the launch of Cassandra Cain’s solo series. We dig into why this book matters, how it redefined the Bat-family at the turn of the millennium, and what the current market looks like for high-grade copies.We also spotlight Underrated Books of the Week, including Marvel’s The ’Nam, a grounded and often overlooked war series that still offers strong historical storytelling at affordable prices, and a surprise modern Captain America #1 (2025) that’s already commanding attention — and dollars — on the secondary market.As always, we round things out with viewer mail, collector perspectives, and the kind of market context that helps separate real heat from temporary hype.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:bronzeandmoderngods@gmail.com