And you thought comics were for kids

CHEMBUR: I'm an electronics engineer (well that's what my graduation certificate says), and a radio jockey. I am a huge Asimov and PG Wodehouse fan. I also read comics! Yes that's right, I love comics, Superman comics to be precise. I started reading them when I was about six. I began with Superman, Batman, Asterix, Tintin, and a lot of other DC comic superheroes like Green Lantern, Flash, Teen Titans, the list goes on.

I always tell people that collecting comics is as rewarding and as serious as collecting stamps or coins or art or anything that one can seriously collect. Today, I own more than a 1000 comics.

As I grew, my desire to know about the history of comics increased and what I found about past completely blew my mind. Superman's first appearance was in June 1938 in Action Comics no.1. He was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. His arrival changed the world of comics, and he became the most famous comic book character ever.

Earlier the stories were very simple but they have come a long way since. They are now well written with intricate plots and  characters. Comics are not meant for kids any more. Nowadays many are getting into comics and I know a lot of people who are avid collectors of these books.

Some of my rare gems:
1. A 50th anniversary reprint of Action Comics #1
2. A collector's copy of The Man of Steel #1 from the 6-part 1986, Man Of Steel mini series by John Byrne.
3. Superman #75 - the issue in which Superman dies at the hands of Doomsday.
4. A special edition of Batman 500
5. Batman Hush hard covers Vol 1 and 2