One of the great things about collecting comics is the other kinds of things we collect with it. I know I also have some comic book art for my collection, action figures around the house, DVD's and Blu Rays of my favorite comic book movies, and even some comic book clothing that I sport at events or my local comic shop. Action figures are a favorite of mine as they are a physical incarnation of that comic book hero or villain. When I was younger, I used action figures to tell my own stories of heroes and villains fighting each other in epic battles.

Marvel Comics is doing a nice little poll to have the fans choose who the next Marvel action figure will be. Up on the block are Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, Archangel, and Ms. Marvel. Head over to Marvel.com and vote for your favorite character to become the latest in a long line of Marvel Comic action figures. Me? I guess I'd have to vote for Norman Osborn. I love a good villain and I hope he has some sort of Green Goblin head swap out accessory. I love me my accessories.

We've had two comics break the million dollar mark this past month, and it would seem a good time to look at investing in comics. Commodities are hot right now, as they are a sure thing that one can hold onto, appreciate, and watch rise in price. These collectibles are great investments in that we can own a piece of history, hold a piece of the character we love and hold dear, and watch our investment grow.

With that being said, be careful. Don't rush out there and buy up "old" comics just because they might be worth something. Do your homework. Check sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Comic Seeker to get a good idea what they are going for now. If you want to take a risk, buy a comic that is not CGC graded as they normally sell for less, then get it CGC graded. The big thing to be careful about is fad comics or comics that spike in price for one reason or another.

Take Captain America #25 for instance, this comic was selling for hundreds of dollars when it first hit. Mainstream media picked it up on a feeding frenzy was birthed. You can now get the same comic for a couple of bucks on eBay and I've seen a 9.8 graded copy go for $40. Keep in mind it costs at least $17 to get it graded, not including shipping.

There are many ways to make your money grow, but the cool thing about comic books is the connection we have with the product. This can be a danger though, so keep a level head when seeking comics to invest in.

Well the news broke recently about another record breaking comic book, this time from Heritage Auctions, who sold the comic for the $1,075,500 (which includes the buyers premium). Seems the Batman wins this round as Detective Comics #27 is the big winner this time. Seems we have a bit of the dueling million dollar comics! Lon Allen, Director of the Comics Department said, "...we suspected it could go as high as $800,000. The fact that it then topped seven figures, and nosed out Superman for the world record price was simply amazing to us all. I've never been in an auction room with such excitement." Would've been great to be in that room.

It must feel good for DC Comics who has these two fine heroes in their main lineup. Things have been turning rosy for DC lately. The formation of DC Entertainment, spectacular relaunch of the Batman movies, lots of buzz about their current titles, and breaking new ground in comics with their weekly series and newspaper format Wednesday Comics. I bet their loving this.

I had a very weird dream the other night. It was a very action packed, where I was in this old house that was besieged by these mutated monstrous beings. It wasn't exactly explained in the dream but I was also apparently affected by this mutation and had great strength, which I used to lay the smack down upon these evil beings and cleanse my home from their infestation. Then things turned weird and I was back at my parents house in southern Oregon with my wife and child and was attacked by another monstrous creature. This time it was non other than The Incredible Hulk. Not necessarily the one from the comics, but the bona fide Lou Ferrigno decked out in green paint and back in his heyday times of being completely muscled out. I hit him in the face with a rake and he was not pleased with that. I don't remember anything after that because I was awoken by my alarm clock.

Comics have a funny way of seeping into our consciousness. Some of us live, breath, and sleep comic books, and that isn't a bad thing. This passion gets us through hard times, takes us to new worlds, and allows for us to share the experience with others. Some may take it a stretch too far, but being a fan is a great thing, even when it attacks us in our sleep. Just make sure you have a rake....they hate a rake to the face.