Please don't think I'm a geek or nerd but I'm a big fan of comic books. I've been an avid collector since the early 1980's. It's a fun hobby. The stories can be very cool and emotional and the art is often outstanding.

One of the most popular comic book artist currently working is Alex Ross. He is an outstanding artist who paints very realistic (near photo quality) characters and scenes.

Another favorite of mine is Simon Bisley. Like Alex Ross his style is totally unique and unmistakable. Unlike Ross, his style is extremely intense and often graphically violent.

It's amazing how comic books have permeated American culture. Just about everyone knows who Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man are. However, you'd be surprised how many movies are based on characters and stories from comic books.

The Spider-Man movie arrived with a bang in May 2002 and is arguably the best comic book/super hero movie ever made! The X-Men movies kicked ass and were a huge hit! Blade is another standout and along with it's sequal, it shows the darker side of comic book heroes. In 2003 alone we have Daredevil, X2, The Hulk, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Other movies based on comic books are Road to Perdition (really), the Academy Award nominated Ghost World, Men in Black, From Hell, The Mask, The Crow, Mystery Men, Akira, Virus, Time Cop, Spawn, The Rocketeer, Ghost in the Shell, Judge Dredd, Barb Wire and of course the Superman & Batman movies, just to name a few. I'll admit that some of these movies suck pretty bad but some of them are pretty damn good. Let's not forget the Witchblade TV show. It's based on a very popular comic book of the same name.

One of the greatest action/sci-fi franchises is The Matrix. Although it's not based on a specific comic book, it is an excellent attempt to recreate with live actors, the action seen in comic books. The writers/directors of The Matrix are comic book & animation fans. They hired comic book artists Steve Skroce & Jeff Darrow to create detailed storyboards and set designs.

Due to the recent success of comic book based films, expect to see many more costume-clad heroes gracing the silver screen. Go to IGN FilmForce for the latest info on action/sci-fi, and fantasy movies and video.

In closing, before you dis us comic book fan boys just think about all the movies that you've enjoyed that were based on comic books and you didn't even know it.

I currently have about 5,000 books. I'd like to sell or trade these books to other collectors and get a fair rate. I know I can't get the value listed in the price guides so the key word here is "fair". Maybe the best way for me to get a fair deal is to trade instead of sell my books, or I may try my luck on eBAY.

I've heard horror stories from people who sell or buy books through the mail, so I must insist on in person deals. This means that if you are not in the Atlanta GA area then I don't think we can do business.

If you'd like to trade or buy, please send me an E-mail. with a list of what you're looking for and I'll let you know if I have them.