On April 18, 2026, I attended the fifth Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Back Issues Comicon. Like the previous Nova Scotia Back Issues Comicon (#4), which I also attended and reported on for First Comics News, this event was once again held at Christ Church, located at 61 Dundas Street in downtown Dartmouth, not far from the Halifax-Dartmouth harbour.
Special guests included Brenda Hickey, known for her work on My Little Pony and Adventure Time, as well as Prince Edward Island’s Sandy Carruthers, a writer, publisher, and illustrator who self-publishes under the Sandstone Comics imprint. His current title, Dark Coast #4, is now available. I picked up a copy and had it signed, as I usually do at these East Coast conventions, in silver ink on the cover by both Sandy Carruthers and Andrew Clark, who also works on Dark Coast and his own title, Adam. Andrew also illustrates Topps Marvel sketch cards.
The show ran from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. Another guest was Troy Little, known for Rick and Morty and Cult of the Lamb.
A Packed Show Floor
This Comicon featured numerous dealers spread across two floors, with vendors from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and beyond. The selection included Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age comics right up to modern books, along with key issues, CGC-graded comics, magazines, digests, original art, graphic novels, non-sports cards, and plenty of collectibles.
Original Art and Personal Highlights
One of my first purchases was a fantastic two-sided original illustration of DC’s Deadman by Andrew Clark—full colour on one side and a different sketch on the reverse—for $20. I even told Andrew, “Next show, bring some Daredevil pieces, and I’ll buy them all!” Daredevil has always been my favourite Marvel character. I own every issue from 1964 to the present—that’s dedication!
Charlton Comics and Gunmaster
I’m a big fan of Charlton’s Gunmaster and his appearances in Six Gun Heroes. Around here, those books are rare. Gunmaster first appeared in Six Gun Heroes #57 (1961), and I picked up:
- #57 (second copy, high grade) – $5.00
- #61 – $3.50
- #66 – $4.00
The #57 copy was missing its original staples due to rust, but I carefully replaced them. Despite that, all three books are presented beautifully in mid-to-high grade.
Classic Pickups
I also replaced a long-lost copy of Heroes, Inc. Presents Cannon (1969) by Wally Wood for $15. I sold my original decades ago and always regretted it—this one’s staying with me!
Even though I don’t usually buy reprints, I grabbed Marvel Tales #28 (1970) purely for its striking cover by Marie Severin.
Golden Age Treasures
Now for the real gems: I picked up three Golden Age WWII-era comics:
- Real Life Picture Magazine #9 (1941)
- True Picture Magazine #35 (1943)
- True Picture Magazine #22 (1944)
All three were bought together for just $35 total—an incredible deal, especially since similar issues can go for much higher online. Amazingly, none were even bagged!
As a Canadian and a history buff, I especially enjoy these books because they include stories about real historical Canadians.
DC and Marvel Finds
I picked up several DC issues:
- Action Comics #392 (1970) – for the Super Sons story
- Action Comics #422 and #429 (1973) – for Christopher Chance, the Human Target
- Superman #327 (Whitman variant)
- Superman #234 – featuring a Neal Adams cover and the “sand Superman” storyline
On the Marvel side:
- ROM #70 – $4
- X-Men #27 and #37 – replacing copies stolen from my collection years ago
That theft, which involved roughly 287 Golden and Silver Age comics, is something I wrote about previously.
A Successful Show
According to the Comic-Con’s Facebook page, this was the most financially successful event so far. I’ve only attended two of these shows, but both have been excellent.
Final Pickup
One last find I was very happy about: The Adventures of the Fly #11 (1961). It was a lower-grade copy, but at $2, I couldn’t pass it up. I already own about two-thirds of the 39-issue run, and this title rarely shows up locally.
Final Thoughts
Another great show with strong deals, friendly creators, and plenty of hidden treasures. The Dartmouth Back Issues Comicon continues to grow, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
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