Contributed by collector and Overstreet Advisor Art Cloos
Photos by Alice Cloos

On Sunday, December 9, 2018, the holidays were very much in the air as the annual New Jersey Clifton Comic Book Expo’s Christmas Show was held at the Clifton Community Recreation Center in Clifton New Jersey. It’s a long running monthly show dating back to 1991. Admission was free, as always, during the regular show hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. However, as more and more collectors have been coming to shop before the show is officially open, it now has a $5 early bird admission charge for 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

As soon as Allie and I got there, we met the noted dealer/collector Brian Ketterer. As he does every year for this show, he had paid for all the dealer tables, and food and refreshments were provided for the dealers by the show. There is usually a waiting list for booths each month and according to show promoter John Paul, this one had the most tables ever sold. In fact, there were tables set up in the center’s lobby as every available space was taken. Comics from the Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages could be found on dealers’ racks. Toys, trading cards, and art were all available to buy. A no minimum bid auction was held as it is every month and a special charity auction was also held.

Some of the nicest dealers set up at Clifton and this sets the tone for a family friendly vibe, which is why so many attendees bring their kids. The same can be said for the attendees, many of whom are regulars and who know each other by name. 

Dealers included Gary Platt, Dan Gallo, Mike Williams, Zapp Comics, Dave Reynolds, Oliver Hochron, and many others, who were in their usual locations. All were selling and talking about comics throughout the day. The guest creator at this month’s show was the artist Rickman. There was quite a turnout of people at the show including Vincent Zurzolo of Metropolis Comics, East Coast Comic Con promoter Cliff Galbraigh, collector Jerry Jiosi, and several others.

The Christmas show theme was reinforced by Christmas decorations around the dealer room. Many dealers had comics with Christmas themed covers for sale and some wore holiday clothing. It can be said that there was a most festive feel to things as we walked around talking to friends and exchanging holiday greetings. I am sure some of the sales there will wind up as holiday presents for friends and relatives, along with the buyers themselves. 

The Clifton Comic show runs on the second Sunday of the month from September to June, taking July and August off. It is held at the Clifton Community Recreation Center located at 1232 Main Avenue in Clifton, New Jersey. More information can be found at www.njcomicbookshows.com.