OK, I've outed myself as a geek now.

Been collecting for almost as long as I've been reading. Earliest books I remember reading (and keeping) would be Strange Tales 123 and a very odd book from MLJ - Mighty Crusaders #4. Was I confused.

That led to a chance encounter with British reprints of early Marvel stuff courtesy Wham, Smash, Pow, Fantastic and Terrific, but as soon as I discovered the originals could be had (and in colour) it was off to the races.

Haven't bought a new book in more than fifteen years now. Mostly because I don't care for the art and the stories are worse. Exceptions, of course, for Alex Ross and a few others.

Still doing the back issue thing, but now looking for really esoteric books like Fatman, the Human Flying Saucer, Spyman, Tod Holt, Super Green Beret. You get the idea.