The United States Postal Service unveiled the commemorative DC superhero stamp collection last week at the San Diego Comic Con. The 1st day of issue stamps were available at the convention, but Friday morning post offices around the country began selling the 20 stamp collection.
For $7.80, DC fans can purchase a sheet of stamps that that includes portraits of the super heroes and their associated covers. Included in this first collection are Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Batman, the Flash, Plastic Man, Aquaman, Supergirl, and Hawkman. The cover images come from: Plastic Man #4, Summer 1946; The Brave And The Bold #36, June/July 1961; Green Lantern #4, Jan./Feb. 1961; The Flash #111, Feb./Mar. 1960; Wonder Woman #22 (2nd series); Aquaman #5 (of 5), Oct. 1989; The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1, Nov. 1982; Superman #11, July/Aug. 1941; and Green Arrow #15, Sept. 2002.
I went down to my local Post Office and purchased two sheets for my own use, but the U.S. Postal Service has several variations for collectors to purchase.
- Item 459862, First Day Cover Full Pane – $10.30
- Item 459864, Canceled Full Pane – $10.30
- Item 459865, Digital Color Postmark (DCP) Random Single – $1.50
- Item 459866, Stamped Postal Cards – $9.95
- Item 459868, Digital Color Postmark, Set of 20 – $30
- Item 459872, Comic Book – $18.50
- Item 459884, Uncut Press Sheet – $31.20
- Item 459899, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake w/DCP random sample – $9.30
If you would like to order a First-Day-of-Issue Postmark you have until August 19, 2006 to do it. Simply purchase the stamps from your local Post Office, stick the stamp on your envelope of choice, address the envelope to yourself, place SASE into another envelope and mail to
SUPER HEROES FDOI STATION
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 85530
SAN DIEGO CA 92186-5530
There is no charge for the postmark.
From a fan stand point there is no reason to not pick up at least one sheet for your collection as they are very well done. And while it is nice to see artwork done by many of the industries great artists, I really have to wonder how Plastic Man made the list, while other characters like Martian Manhunter and Shazam, who have been around longer didn’t make the list. One hint might be found at the bottom of the stamp which reads, “Chapter One”. Could future collectios be around the corner? Here’s hoping.
As nice as this collection is, many fans may be saddened to learn they really can’t lick their favorite hero as these are self adhesive stamps. I give the collection 4 out of 5 stars.
