When I was a kid, the first comic that I vividly remember buying with my own money was the DC Comics Superman vs. Muhammad Ali comic in 1978. Prior to that, I would have to ask my parents for money but this one was special and I was reaching an age where independence felt good. On a Saturday afternoon, my cousin took me to Fat Jacks Comic Crypt which remains the oldest and longest running comic shop in the Philadelphia area. With so many books to choose from during that time and my little pockets filled with money, I already had in my mind what I was going to buy and the purchase was made.
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali still stands as one of the greatest books in comic history as well as a favorite for me for so many nostalgic reasons. I can remember that day like yesterday buying the book and the amount of joy it brought me looking at the Neal Adams drawn cover and trying to name each of the members of the audience which surrounded the ring. Recently on a trip to Japan, I finally scored an original Japanese print of the comic from 1978 which will make a welcomed addition to the collection.