I'm short on time this week, so I am going Green by recycling some material from my main blog. Here are some great choices if you want to track down terrific stories at low prices:

Secret Origins #4 is soooo good. If you don't own it already, track it down ASAP. DC's first Secret Origins series is a treasure trove for comic book fans, featuring reprints of the origin stories for many Golden and Silver Age heroes. In this world of Archives and Showcase Presents, many of these stories have been reprinted a number of times. As far as I know, there are no Vigilante or Kid Eternity collections in the works, so this is still your best and cheapest way to pick up these rare stories. Let me pause for a moment to mention the lovely Nick Cardy cover - very moody. The Vigilante story is from Action Comics #42 (November, 1941) and it's a real treat to see this early Mort Meskin artwork. Such a master! I find the inclusion of the Kid Eternity story to be interesting. The Quality heroes (save for Blackhawk and Plastic Man) had been in limbo since the 50s. Most were included in the JLA #107 story (published about the same time), but not Kid Eternity. And yet, he shows up here. Definitely one of the quirkiest strips of the 40s. It could only come from the mind of Otto Binder. If you see this one - grab it, as it's a nice little piece of history.

Have you ever dreamed up picking up an old 50s Ditko mystery book for a dollar? Well, sometimes dreams do come true. Dotted throughout various Charlton titles during that company's Reprint Era (late 70s), you will find some books that contain stories dating back 20+ years. Haunted #49 is a great example of this phenomenon. It reprints Tales of the Mysterious Traveler #4 from 1957. A nice copy of the original could set you back $100, and that's if you can find it. I've found that bidding on old Ditko books to be a full time profession for many comic book fans out there. If you have less money, but perhaps the same level of patience, I highly recommend that you keep your eyes peeled for an issue of Haunted #49.

Hidden behind this rather nifty Herb Trimpe cover is a real treat. Westerns were beginning their long descent into obscurity at Marvel, and reprints abounded. I'm certain that back in 1971, your average Rawhide Kid fan was mighty sore when their favourite title turned to mainly reprints. Any of today's savvy comic book reader, however, knows that no two reprints are alike. Rawhide Kid #84 features 3 stories originally printed in Rawhide Kid #27 (April, 1962), pencilled by none other than Jack Kirby (with Dick Ayers inking). Those early Kirby Rawhide Kid issues costs a pretty penny these days, but this one can be had for far less. I'm trying to complete a run of Rawhide Kid, and picked up a VF copy on eBay for $1.99. If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to slap leather; this is it!

So, you've always wanted to check out Boris Karloff Thriller #1, but are reluctant to shell out over $100 for a nice looking copy. Well, look no further than Boris Karloff Tales Of Mystery #84 to satisfy (or at least partially satisfy) your curiosity. This issue features two wonderful stories ("Past and Present Danger" and "The Plague of Gornau") from Thriller #1. They are both beautifully drawn by the supremely talented Alberto Giolitti. I'm particularly blown away by the moody art on the Gornau tale, in which Giolitti does a great job establishing the paranoid atmosphere of a witch hunt. The cover story to this book is reprinted from BKTOM #22, and it centres on the spirit of Dante Alighieri seeking revenge on the city of Florence. There is very nice Luis Dominguez artwork on that one. It's not a complete reprint of that first Thriller issue, but if you're looking through the dollar bins, keep an eye out for this one - if only for the wonderful the Giolitti artwork.

Back in 1984, Marvel decided to reprint some of Jim Steranko's best work. Captain America Special Edition #2 was the final issue to this short-lived project. Both books are worthy additions to your collection, but I'd snap this one up first. Why? Is it because of the great Cap reprint? No. Is it because of the Not Brand Echh strip? Nope. How about the Nick Fury tale? Sorry. The reason you need to grab this one is because it includes a reprint of 'My Heart Broke in Hollywood' from the nearly impossible to find Our Love Story #5. When they do pop up for sale, any Romance book containing a Steranko story commands top dollar, so this is truly the most affordable way to get your fix of Steranko in all genres. Happy Hunting!

For more comic book talk, check out my blog: Seduction of the Indifferent