Krampusnacht and The Christmas Legend of Krampus

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The Legend of Krampus – What Happens if You’re on Santa’s Naughty List? 🎄👹

While Santa Claus rewards good children with presents, the terrifying Krampus punishes the naughty ones. This ancient Germanic folklore has become a global holiday tradition, bringing a dark twist to Christmas celebrations.

If you've ever wondered who Krampus is, where the legend comes from, and what happens if you're on his naughty list, keep reading to discover the spine-chilling origins of Krampusnacht, the Alpine Christmas demon, and his role in holiday folklore.

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👹 Who is Krampus? The Christmas Demon of Folklore

Krampus, whose name comes from the Old High German word "krampen" (meaning "claw"), is a half-goat, half-demon figure that appears during the Christmas season to punish misbehaving children.

📖 Norse Mythology Origins
Krampus is believed to be the son of Hel, the goddess of the underworld in Norse mythology. He is linked to pagan winter traditions that pre-date Christianity, symbolizing the dark side of Christmas.

🎭 The Yin-Yang of Christmas: Krampus vs. St. Nicholas

• Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) brings sweets and gifts to good children.
• Krampus, on the other hand, beats, kidnaps, or terrifies naughty children.

This dark companion of Santa has been a part of Alpine folklore for centuries, blending pagan rituals with Christian holiday traditions.

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🎅 When Does Krampus Come? The Terrifying Krampusnacht (Krampus Night)

According to Germanic folklore, Krampus arrives on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night).

🎃 What Happens on Krampusnacht?

• Krampus roams the streets, carrying bells and chains to terrify onlookers.
• He visits homes, leaving bundles of sticks for bad children.
• In some legends, he swats misbehaving kids or kidnaps them in a sack.

📅 The Next Day: St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)

• Children wake up to either a reward or punishment.
• Good kids receive candy and presents in their shoes.
• Naughty kids find coal, sticks, or even a warning from Krampus.

🎭 Krampus Parades & Festivals
Today, Krampus celebrations take place across Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and the Alpine regions. People dress as Krampus and participate in wild, theatrical parades, keeping the scary Christmas tradition alive.

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🩸 Krampus' Punishments – What Happens if You’re on the Naughty List?

According to Krampus legend, misbehaving children may experience the following:

❌ Light Punishment:

• A bundle of sticks (called ruten) left by the fireplace as a warning.
• A lump of coal in their stocking instead of presents.

❌ Moderate Punishment:

• A gentle swat with birch branches as a reminder to behave next year.

❌ Severe Punishment:

• Abduction! Krampus throws naughty children into a sack and carries them to the underworld.
• Some stories claim he drowns, eats, or enslaves the worst offenders.

📢 Pro Tip: If you see Krampus approaching on December 5th, you better have been good this year!

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🔥 How Krampus Changed Over Time – From Horror to Holiday Tradition

Krampus was banned by the Catholic Church for many years because his appearance resembled the devil. However, he never disappeared completely, and in modern times, his legend has softened:

✔️ Krampus became a holiday character similar to "Elf on the Shelf" – instead of punishing kids, he reminds them to behave.
✔️ The lump of coal tradition replaced physical punishment as a way to warn children.
✔️ Krampus parades and Christmas markets now celebrate him as a fun, spooky part of the holiday season.

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🎭 Krampus in Pop Culture & Horror Movies

Krampus has gained popularity in modern media, appearing in movies, books, and TV shows:

🎬 Krampus (2015) – Horror Movie:

• This Christmas horror film follows a family haunted by Krampus after they lose the holiday spirit.
• The movie showcases Krampus’ terrifying presence, complete with his demonic minions and dark magic.

📺 Krampus in TV Shows & Cartoons:

• American Dad! – Krampus appears as a misunderstood anti-hero.
• The Venture Bros. – Features a comedic version of Krampus.
• Supernatural (Season 3, Ep. 8) – Krampus-like figures kill bad people at Christmas.

💀 Krampus-Themed Haunted Houses & Horror Attractions:

• Many haunted Christmas experiences now feature Krampus as a winter horror villain.
• Halloween Horror Nights and Scary Christmas events often include Krampus-themed mazes.

📢 Fun Fact: In some cultures, people send Krampus-themed Christmas cards called "Krampuskarten" to remind friends and family to stay off the naughty list.

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🎄 Naughty or Nice? Krampus vs. Santa Claus – The Ultimate Showdown

Trait	Santa Claus 🎅	Krampus 👹
Reward or Punish?	Rewards good kids 🎁	Punishes naughty kids 😱
Appearance	Jolly, round, red suit 🎅	Horned, furry, demonic face 😈
Personality	Kind & generous ❤️	Terrifying & vengeful 🔥
Symbolism	Christmas joy & generosity 🎄	Holiday fear & discipline 🩸
Arrival Date	December 6th (St. Nicholas Day)	December 5th (Krampusnacht)
Presents or Punishments?	Toys, candy, gifts 🎁	Coal, sticks, & possibly abduction 😨

🚨 Moral of the Story: Be good all year, or Krampus might come for you!

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📌 Final Thoughts – Is Krampus Just a Myth or a Warning?

The legend of Krampus reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about presents—it’s about behavior, tradition, and balance. Whether you believe in Krampus or not, his story has stood the test of time, evolving from a terrifying Christmas demon to a beloved holiday folklore icon.

🎭 Will you be celebrating Krampusnacht this year? Or are you hoping to stay on Santa’s nice list? Let us know in the comments! 👇🎅👹

Krampus is coming to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood 2016 Halloween Horror Nights - Krampus

You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I'm telling you why: Krampus is coming to town!

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights collaborated closely with 'Legendary Pictures' and filmmaker Michael Dougherty to bring you a terrifying Krampus encounter. This Halloween Horror Nights Maze is inspired by the 2015 film and brings a Dark Christmas themed scare.

Krampus (Released December 2015) was rated PG-13, ran 1 hour and 38 minutes and was a mix of Comedy, Fantasy and Horror. The plot revolves around a young boy's dysfunctional family over the Christmas holiday. Young Max (Emjay Anthony) becomes disillusioned and his lack of festive holiday spirit unleashes the wrath of Krampus. Christmas holiday icons take on a monstrous life and lay siege to the fractured family's home, forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.

Most everyone knows the story of Santa Claus and how he brings toys to good little children on Christmas Eve. What is lesser known is what happens to the naughty children who don't make Santa's list. Who visits them on Christmas Eve? What "gifts" are brought to them?

The Krampus Halloween Horror Nights Maze at Universal Studios Hollywood takes an Old World Christmas legend based on the 2015 hit film and shows you what happens when you make the naughty list. Krampus and his nasty little helpers have come to terrorize those who lost the Christmas spirit.

It will be a lesson you will never forget, if you can survive it.

Review

Like the 2015 Dark Christmas Halloween Horror Night Scare Zone, Krampus adds a fun and interesting twist to the normally jolly holiday.

As you approach the Krampus haunted house/maze, you find yourself entering the Engel family home decorated with Christmas lights, icicles, and the foreboding effigy of Krampus standing on the rooftop. A frozen mailman walks back and forth in front of the house giving you a photo op before you enter.

The maze takes place inside a version of the Engel house and yard, with smells of pumpkin spice and pine throughout the maze adding to the effect. Fog is a common element in many of Krampus’ scenes, add that to the dark nature of some scenes and you have practically zero visibility, a frightrning effect as you anticipate what will happen next. The foreboding atmosphere can, at times, be even scarier than seeing the monster jump out.

This honestly was our favorite haunted house and we went twice. The maze does well in replicating scenes from the movie and you won't always find a scare, but the detail is wonderful. So many of Krampus’ minions are present, including the evil gingerbread horde, as well as the man eating jack-in-the-box with a have eaten woman reaching for your help.

Like The Exorcist Maze, there is heavy use of animatronics, puppets and props throughout Krampus, transforming the well know Christmas season into a twisted and corrupt versions. A definite highlight is the attic scene with the Christmas tree angel. Along with props, live actors also appear throughout the experience, though sometimes predictable, not always.

Friday and the number 13

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The Origins, History, and Superstitions of Friday the 13th

📅 Why Is Friday the 13th Considered Unlucky?

The origins of Friday the 13th superstitions remain a mystery, though both Friday and the number 13 have long histories of being associated with bad luck. Interestingly, there are no documented references to Friday the 13th as an unlucky day before the 19th century, making its superstitious reputation a relatively modern phenomenon.

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🔮 The Myth of 13 People Dining Together

One of the most pervasive Friday the 13th myths is that if 13 people dine together, one will soon die. This belief can be linked to:

✝️ The Last Supper – In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion on a Friday.

🛡️ Norse Mythology – According to legend, Loki, the trickster god, crashed a banquet in Valhalla, becoming the 13th guest and leading to the death of Balder the Good, cementing 13 as an unlucky number.

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💀 The Thirteen Club – Challenging Superstition

In an effort to debunk myths surrounding the number 13, William Fowler founded The Thirteen Club on September 13, 1881. This group of 13 members met on the 13th of every month, deliberately engaging in superstitious taboos such as:

• Sitting 13 at a table
• Breaking mirrors
• Spilling salt without tossing it over their shoulders
• Walking under ladders

Despite their efforts, fear of Friday the 13th persists in modern culture.

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🎬 Hollywood’s Role in Friday the 13th Superstition

The 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th" cemented the day’s infamous reputation in pop culture. The film, which introduced the masked killer Jason Voorhees, fueled the modern association between Friday the 13th and bad luck, horror, and superstition. Since then, countless sequels, books, and TV series have reinforced the fear of Friday the 13th as an unlucky day.

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🏨 Fear of 13 in Modern Society

Even today, the fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) influences architecture, travel, and daily life:

• More than 80% of U.S. office buildings and hotels skip the 13th floor.
• Airports and hospitals often avoid labeling gates or rooms with the number 13.
• Some people refuse to travel, make business deals, or host important events on Friday the 13th due to lingering superstitions.

Interestingly, not all cultures fear the number 13. In Ancient Egypt, 13 was considered a lucky number, symbolizing ascension to the afterlife rather than misfortune.

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🔎 Does Friday the 13th Deserve Its Bad Reputation?

Despite centuries of superstition, scientific evidence does not support the claim that Friday the 13th is any unluckier than other days. However, its reputation remains deeply embedded in Western culture, making it one of the most widely recognized "unlucky" days in history.

🌙 Is Friday the 13th truly cursed, or is it just another date on the calendar? The answer remains a mystery.

A review of The Marvel Experience in Scottsdale AZ

The Marvel Experience Review – Was It Worth the Hype?

📍 Location: Touring Event – Various Cities in 2015
🎟️ Ticket Prices: Starting at $27.50 (too expensive for what’s offered)
⏳ Total Experience Time: Estimated 90 minutes but actually took 6 hours due to long wait times

Is The Marvel Experience Worth It?

If you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, The Marvel Experience: The Hyper-Reality Tour sounds like a dream come true—a high-tech, immersive superhero adventure packed with interactive training missions, VR experiences, and 4-D attractions. However, after attending with my kids, I can confidently say that while it had exciting moments, the cost, long wait times, and lack of activities left us disappointed.

With ticket prices starting at $27.50 (plus $10 for parking), the value simply wasn’t there. The entire experience should have taken around 90 minutes, but we spent over 6 hours waiting in lines for short, underwhelming activities. While some of the interactive elements were enjoyable, this event needed better organization, shorter wait times, and more engaging content.

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What’s Included in The Marvel Experience?

✅ Marvel Superhero Origins Briefing – A multi-screen intro covering the origins of Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Black Widow.
✅ Interactive "Training Missions" – Includes Iron Man Flight Simulation, Hulk Smash, Photon Blaster Training, Spider-Man Climbing Wall, and Black Widow Laser Maze.
✅ 3-D Dome Experience – A short, standing-room-only Marvel movie where guests spin in circles to follow the action.
✅ 4-D Ride Finale – The most immersive part of the experience, but lacked 3-D visuals, making it less impressive.
✅ Gift Shop – Limited merchandise with only posters, shirts, and hats—no Marvel action figures or comic books available.
✅ On-Site Café – Overpriced food ($7 for a basic hot dog, $3.50 for frozen bottled water).

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Major Issues & Areas That Need Improvement

🚫 Excessive Wait Times for Minimal Experience

• Most activities were less than 2 minutes long but required 30-60 minute waits.
• The Black Widow Agility Laser Maze had a 1-hour wait—while fun, it wasn't worth the time investment.

💰 Ticket Prices vs. Value

• $27.50 per person (plus $10 parking) felt overpriced. This event should have been $15-$20 max with free parking.
• The RFID tracking bracelets didn’t enhance the experience, making them feel pointless.

🎮 Low-Tech "Training" Games

• The Hulk Smash and Iron Man Flight Simulator were essentially Xbox Kinect games, which was disappointing given the "Hyper-Reality" promise.
• The Photon Blaster Training (laser shooting gallery) had too many players at once, making it impossible to track your score.

🎬 3-D Movie & 4-D Ride Could Have Been Better

• The 3-D dome experience was too short and required standing.
• The 4-D ride was entertaining, but should have used 3-D visuals to be more immersive.

🛍️ Weak Merchandise Selection

• The gift shop lacked variety, offering mostly shirts and posters—no Marvel action figures or collectibles.
• The 3-D printed statue souvenir was a cool concept, but there weren't enough customization options.

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How The Marvel Experience Could Improve

🎟️ Lower Ticket Prices – $15-$20 would be a more reasonable price for what’s offered.
⏳ Reduce Wait Times – Fewer tickets per time slot or more activity stations would prevent 6-hour experiences.
🚀 More Interactive Features – Additional VR elements, motion-sensor games, and better simulators would increase engagement.
💦 Fix Overpriced Food & Drinks – $3.50 for frozen bottled water is a gouge—offer affordable drinks or free water stations.
🛍️ Expand the Gift Shop – Include action figures, comics, and exclusive collectibles to appeal to Marvel fans.
🎬 Improve 3-D & 4-D Experiences – The 4-D ride should include 3-D visuals for a true hyper-reality experience.

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Final Verdict – Would I Go Again?

I’m glad I attended, and my kids enjoyed parts of it, but I wouldn’t return unless they significantly improve the cost, entertainment value, and wait times.

If you’re considering going to The Marvel Experience, be prepared for long lines and limited activities. While it has potential, it needs major upgrades to be worth the price.

⭐ Overall Rating: 5/10 – Fun for Marvel fans, but overpriced and poorly executed.

🚀 Are you a Marvel fan looking for a better superhero experience? Consider visiting:

• Avengers Campus at Disneyland California Adventure
• Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures coming to Arizona

The Marvel Experience – A High-Tech Superhero Adventure

📍 Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, AZ
📅 Arizona Dates: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015
🎟️ Ticket Discounts: Military 2-for-1 deal & Group Savings (15+ people save 10%)

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What Is The Marvel Experience?

Step into the Marvel Universe and become a deputized S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in this cutting-edge interactive attraction! Featuring more than 20+ iconic Marvel characters, including:

• 🕷️ Spider-Man
• ⚡ Iron Man
• 🛡️ Captain America
• ⚒️ Thor
• 💪 Hulk
• 🖤 Black Widow

Prepare to battle HYDRA, Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K., and the evil Adaptoids in a one-of-a-kind, hyper-reality superhero experience.

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Marvel Experience Attractions – What to Expect

🌍 Spanning 3 Acres & 7 Interactive Domes!
🚀 Life-Size Avengers Quinjet – Get up close with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s elite aircraft!
🕹️ 360° 3-D Projection Dome – A fully immersive, cinematic Marvel experience!
🧗 Spider-Man Climbing Wall – Test your agility like Peter Parker (must weigh 50+ lbs).
🔫 Holo-Blaster Training Simulator – Fight off HYDRA agents in a virtual battle!
🎢 4-D Motion Ride – Feel the thrill of an action-packed Marvel mission!
💥 RFID Super Power Band – Tracks your personal progress, skills, and achievements throughout the event.

Using state-of-the-art technology, The Marvel Experience blends augmented reality (AR), motion simulation, 3-D projection, and interactive gaming to create a theme park-style adventure for all ages.

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Important Marvel Experience Event Details

🕰️ Time Required: 4-6 hours to fully explore all attractions.
🎟️ Ticket Options: Available online via Ticketmaster or at the Dome Box Office.
🎥 Photography: Cameras are welcome, but no flash photography allowed.
🚶 Walking Event: No seating assignments – comfortable shoes are recommended.
🚗 Parking: $10 per vehicle.
🚼 No Strollers Admitted – families with young children should plan accordingly.
📏 Ride Restrictions:

• 4-D Ride: Minimum height 40 inches; pregnant women and small children can sit in folding chairs.
• Spider-Man Climbing Wall: 50 lbs minimum weight requirement.

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Marvel Experience 2015 U.S. Tour Schedule

🌟 Arizona: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015 – Salt River Fields, Scottsdale, AZ
🌟 Dallas, TX: January 15 – February 1, 2015
🌟 Del Mar, CA: February 7 – February 22, 2015
🌟 San Francisco, CA: February 27 – March 22, 2015

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Why Arizona Was Chosen for The Marvel Experience Kickoff

Arizona was selected as the first stop for Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures due to:
✅ Ideal weather conditions for an outdoor event.
✅ Proximity to major production companies in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
✅ Large Marvel fanbase eager for an immersive superhero attraction.

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Final Thoughts – Is The Marvel Experience Worth It?

The Hype says "If you're a Marvel fan, this hyper-reality event is a must-see! From virtual battles against HYDRA to swinging like Spider-Man, it’s a fully immersive superhero experience you won’t want to miss.", but here is My Marvel Experience review.

🔥 Grab your tickets, assemble your team, and prepare to save the world with The Avengers!

If you are into comic books, check out this article!

Start yourself a Comic Book collection - Buy Comic Books

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Comic Book Collecting - Starting a collection

With Comic book - Superhero Movies bringing a reemergence of Superhero interest many people may be thinking about buying, selling and collecting comic books, so here is a short guide on starting. Have fun and find a local store that participates in Free Comic Book day to pick up your first comic book for free.

Start with 1 or 2 comic heroes, villains or teams (X-Men, JLA) that you have an affinity for. I personally enjoy Batman and Punsiher as they do not have any powers and so could theoretically be real life heroes/vigilantes. After you have chosen a comic character you enjoy, realize, just like the movies that do not always have the same story lines, neither do the comic books. There are alternate universes so just because one comic series has one story of who killed Bruce Wayne's parents for example, another series may infer it was another villain. So unless you have a specific story line you wish to follow, it may be better to start with a subscription to the recent issues for example the DC Comics The New 52 series. One daunting issue concerning new collectors is the high issue numbers of long-time ongoing series'. When you want to read a book about a particular character you may feel like you are coming in too late.

At this point you may begin running into cross-overs. Where Punisher for example is is introduced in the Spiderman series or Wolverine in the hulk. Now you are learning more about the universe and may pick up another hero or two you want to follow. Or even run into a fact about the character you wish to know more about and want to begin catching up on the back-story that you have missed. This is where the interest in a hero can become the beginning of an actual comic book collection. You will want to go to your neighborhood comic book store and ask the clerk if they have issue relating to a specific series of events that have peaked your interest.

Now not all older comics are worth something, so you should be able to get some back issues for about the same price as the current release issues. This is also the point where you go from reading to collecting and storing. You may even spend a chunk of change on a back issue that has peaked your interest, especially if you are trying to get an issue of a character's first appearance. This is when you decide if it is just an interest or going to be a hobby and collection. You do not want to spend $20 dollars on a back issue and not take the proper steps to protect it with bags and boards allowing it to continue to increase in value rather than becomes torn and money down the drain.

If it is just an interest, a cheaper way to catch up on story lines is to collect Trade Paper Backs (sometimes referred to as TPBs). Trade Paper Backs are reprinted collections of issues and can be purchased new or used. If you are more interested in reading comic books and less interested in collecting comic books digital comics are becoming a nice alternative. Some comic book publishers such as Marvel and DC are now put digital copies of their books online, some can even be read for free.

Comic Book Care

Caring for you comic books is important if you ever want to pass them on to your children or even resell them at a profit (or at least what you paid) in a few years. The easiest way is to purchase boxes, bags and boards for you comic books from the comic book store. You also do not want your comics to sit in a garage or non temperature controls storage location as heat will brown the pages and make the comic books fragile. Store your boxes in a air conditioned location like a closet or cooled storage unit.

Comic book database

Take note of each comic books that you buy, easiest way is with a spreadsheet application on your computer. Keep track of your collection, noting the publisher, date, cover price, collector's estimated value, title and any notes of interest (like "batman gets his back broken"). Mycomichop.com also gives you the ability to keep track of your collection and even sell off issues.

Be cheap as a beginner

Be on the lookout for cheap comics: some places where you may find deals on comics in a variety of ages and conditions are yard sales, swap meets, and flea markets. Be careful at these places because they are also places you might have buyers remorse. If you are still new to comic books and do not understand comic book grading, or do not have an idea of what comics from different ages might be worth. Take a smart phone with you and go to Mycomicshop.com and look up what you are looking at before laying money down. Also mind the condition, as worn comics lose value just like action figures removed from packaging. Such salesmen may not be bad people, they just may think this is 15 years old so it has to be worth something and if you are buying it they may assume you know it's value. Do not be afraid to make an offer that you see as fair. If you are collecting for your own personal reading enjoyment you probably don't want to be spending more than a dollar per back issue on comics. However, if you are looking for a collection to grow in value, you must watch what you buy and spend wisely.

Comic book conventions

Attend a comic book convention:
Doing so will allow you to interact with other comic book collectors and maybe to make a friend or two sharing the same interest of a character. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the writers and artists of your favorite comic books in person, maybe even a signature. This brings up a debate of having the comic book signed or just the plastic protective bag. This depends on who you plan on reselling to later. Some people feel the signature defaces the comic and others feel it increases the value. Some people also want the book, but are not willing to pay the extra added cost of being signed.

Growing a collection of value

Look for first appearances of characters. Historically, the more valuable comic books are those that featured the first appearance of character:

    Action Comics #1 (1938): Superman's first appearance.
    Flash Comics #1 (1940): First appearance of the Flash and Hawkman
    Batman #1 (1940): Introduced Robin and arch-vilian the Joker.
    Superman #1 (1939): The first comic book named after the superhero.

They do not have to be issue #1 either:

    Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962): Spider-Man's first appearance.
    Detective Comics #27 (1939): Batman's first appearance.
    The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974) Punisher's first appearance.
    Incredible Hulk #180/181 (1974) Wolverine's first appearance.   

Older comic books are more valuable than newer comics:

Age and  rarity play a big part as well, Comics less than 20 years old are usually less valuable.

The Golden Age (1933 to 1955): The Golden Age of comics began around Action Comics #1. These comics are typically 4-color comics 48-64 pages in length.

The Silver Age (1956 to 1969): Silver Age of comics began around the premiere of Barry Allen (the second Flash) in Showcase #4. Silver Age comics are 32 to 48 page 4-color comics.

The Bronze Age (1970 to 1985): With comic heroes like Green Arrow's sidekick dealing with drug issues (Green Lantern/Green Arrow #5) and Iron Man confronting alcohol (Iron Man #128), many of these comics confronted social issues along with villains.

Building a Valuable Comic Book Collection – Expert Tips for Beginners

If you're serious about comic book collecting, it's essential to understand how to spot valuable issues, properly store your comics, and strategically invest in key editions. Many collectors focus on first appearances of iconic superheroes, limited print runs, or issues with major storyline shifts. Classic key issues like Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's first appearance), The Incredible Hulk #181 (Wolverine's debut), and Detective Comics #27 (Batman’s introduction) are highly sought after in the collector’s market. Additionally, keeping comics in mint condition by using acid-free bags, boards, and climate-controlled storage can significantly increase their future value. Whether you're collecting for passion, profit, or nostalgia, knowing where to find rare issues—through comic book stores, conventions, online marketplaces, and estate sales—can help you build a worthy and valuable comic book collection over time.

Friday the 13th: Origins, History and Myths of the Unlucky Day

Friday the 13th: Origins, History, and Superstitions Behind the Unlucky Day

📅 Friday, November 13, 2015, marks the third Friday the 13th of the year, following those in February and March. While some see it as just another day, others suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia—the fear of Friday the 13th. This superstition is so widespread that it’s estimated to cause over $800 million in economic losses annually, as many people avoid flying, cancel business deals, or alter their daily routines due to the fear of bad luck.

But where did this belief originate? And why is Friday the 13th still seen as a day of misfortune, horror, and superstition in modern times?

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The History of Friday the 13th Superstition

Although Friday and the number 13 have long been associated with bad luck separately, their connection as a singular day of misfortune was not documented until the 19th century, primarily in American and British folklore. However, many cultures throughout history have considered both Fridays and the number 13 unlucky, fueling the superstition over time.

Religious and Historical Influences on Friday the 13th

✝️ Christianity & The Last Supper – One of the most cited origins ties back to Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest at Jesus' Last Supper, who later betrayed him. Additionally, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, further solidifying the idea that Friday and the number 13 together symbolize bad luck.

📖 Medieval Literature & Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – The 14th-century writings of Geoffrey Chaucer also reference Friday as a day of misfortune, warning against starting journeys or new ventures on this day.

⚔️ Knights Templar & Friday the 13th, 1307 – A well-known theory suggests that the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, ordered by King Philip IV of France, occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307. The violent persecution of the Templars is believed to have contributed to the fear surrounding the date.

🕉️ Ancient Egyptian & Norse Mythology – The Ancient Egyptians saw 13 as a sacred number representing the final stage of spiritual ascension, rather than bad luck. Meanwhile, Norse mythology tells of a 13th uninvited guest, Loki, bringing chaos to Valhalla, leading to the death of Balder the Good, reinforcing the ill-fated symbolism of 13 guests at a gathering.

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Global Superstitions About Unlucky Days

🌎 Friday the 13th is NOT universal! While Western cultures fear Friday the 13th, other countries have their own unlucky days:

• Spanish & Greek Traditions – Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky instead of Friday.
• Italian Superstition – Friday the 17th is feared more than the 13th.
• Asian Tetraphobia – Many East and Southeast Asian cultures fear the number 4 more than 13 due to its phonetic similarity to the word for death.

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Modern Impact of Friday the 13th Superstitions

Even today, Friday the 13th affects business, pop culture, and even architecture:

🏨 No 13th Floor – Many hotels, office buildings, and apartment complexes skip labeling a 13th floor due to superstition.
⚰️ Gallows & Execution – Historically, there were 13 steps leading to the gallows, adding to the ominous nature of the number.
🧙 Witchcraft & Folklore – A traditional coven is said to be made up of 13 witches, reinforcing its mystical associations.
🎬 Friday the 13th in Pop Culture – The 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th" immortalized the superstition in cinema, making Jason Voorhees a slasher movie icon.
🚀 Apollo 13 – NASA’s Unlucky Mission? – The only failed moon landing mission, Apollo 13, was marred by an explosion that forced the crew to abort their lunar mission, reinforcing the superstition in modern times.

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Common Myths & Superstitions About Friday the 13th

🔪 If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die.
⚰️ Seeing a funeral procession means you’ll be the next to die.
✈️ Starting a trip on Friday the 13th leads to misfortune.
🍼 A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.
⛵ Ships that set sail on a Friday are doomed to bad luck. (Better rethink that cruise!)

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Should You Be Worried About Friday the 13th?

While scientific evidence does not support any actual danger on Friday the 13th, millions of people still feel uneasy about it. Whether rooted in religious beliefs, historical events, or Hollywood horror, the superstition remains one of the most well-known in the world.

So, whether you choose to avoid traveling, postpone major decisions, or lean into the spooky vibes of the day, just remember—luck is what you make of it!

🚀 For more fascinating superstitions, myths, and eerie historical facts, be sure to check out our other articles on paranormal phenomena and urban legends!