Set Description:
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I am an avid hunter & fishermen. In my youth, I trapped my fair share of various furbearers, skinned enough pelts and half asss tanned. So since I was young, I have always been fascinated by Mountain Men and their awesome lifestyle.
I remember my first Rendezvous I went to when I was little guy with my Dad. I recall staring at grizzly old characters adorned in furs - throwing hatchets, shooting black powder, knapping arrow/spear heads and knives. It was such a cool scene for a young kid to see.
(Majored in History, Jeremiah Johnson was one of my favorite movies and BIG fan of Louis L'Amour, than Joseph A. Altsheler and William H Johnstone books)
Men like Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith, Colter, Carson and obviously Liver Eating Johnson who were all intricate parts to the outset of our Western expansion through their profound exploration as guides, translators, trappers, etc. Furthermore, without their motivation for financial gain or their handiwork for supplying the demand of the fur craze, great companies like The Rocky Mountain Fur Company and The Hudson Bay Company would not have seen the light of day — and the Fur Trade would not have been as we know it nor would the time frame/period of 1800-1880s.
Ben Bowie and His Mountain Men books (1953-59) are a must have collection for me. Their amazing painted colors wind back time for me. They remind me of the old Outdoor Life and Field & Stream painted covers. My goal was to compile a slabbed 9.4 collection.
(In my 16 book set, as of November 2025: 10 books are the single highest graded copies, 4 are tied for highest graded and 2 are tied for second highest)
I started collecting Readers & possible Subs in 2011. It definitely has been a long tough quest, but a dammn rewarding one. I have been blessed to have met some wonderful collectors & very generous people along the way.
Imho the most unique piece in my collection, is a HG group of File Copies of Ben Bowie and His Mountain Men #7-17 (Dell,1956-59) that were made into a three leather-bound volume set. Dell Publisher, George T. Delacorte Jr's name is embossed on the spines. It is truly a gorgeous set.
My most cherished book in my Registry set, is my White 9.6 #443. I never thought a copy of this book could be in such high grade. Honored and humbled to be the owner of this diamond in the rough, the lone highest graded copy:)
* I’m so grateful to Rick @ OneStopComics. He is to thank for my raw, stunning debut of Big Ben, white paged 9.6 #7. (Since there were six issues prior in Four Color) Along with 4 other raw HG Ben Bowie butes found at his booth at various WW Chicagos.
Back than, I’d purchase from Rick and walk over and drop books off with Matt & Company. All were/are the highest graded copies. Rick honestly has some truly stellar HG Four Color/Dell and Gold Key books. Thank-you so much my man!
* 3 additional Ben Bowie titled books were found raw off eBay.
* #11 was purchased raw from Comic Book Addiction.
* Lastly, I have three Boardies to thank for my Four Color #443, #626 and #657.
***** I cannot thank-you gentlemen enough for helping me and parting with three of their beloved Four Color books. I would not have some of the best books in my set without their generosity.
They are none other than: Cheetah, 4Gemworks Comic Book Emporium and Montezuma. As many are fully aware, they are in their own respects, the best of the best when it comes to the Boards, The Registry and comic collecting/collections! I hope you three know how grateful I am for being granted the #443. To be so accommodating to my HG quest, and so cordial in all the correspondences about our funny books. I genuinely appreciate, you gents take care. *****
Icculus308win - Ben Bowie and His Mountain Men
- "His name was Jeremiah Johnson..."
“The adventures of this unsung hero of the Silver Age took place in the American colonies. Ben Bowie, a trapper making his way — and doing more than just surviving — in the harsh wilderness, was joined in his pursuits by the orphaned Jim, the older and wise Zeke Boss, and Nakah, a Native American from the Iroquois.
This title is unique in that there was a high level of historical accuracy in the storytelling. Often in Western titles, Native Americans were typically blanketed as enemies, but the creatives of the Ben Bowie title understood the complexities of early settler relationships and alliances with certain tribes. This knowledge resulted in superior storytelling with much time invested in the development of characters and plot. Unfortunately, many of the excellent writers of Ben Bowie and his Mountain Men are uncredited, though some have been identified, including Jon Small, Frank Thorne and William Overguard.
After several appearances in Four Color, Ben Bowie got his own title and the storytelling grew even richer. Each issue also included the shorter back-up story of Yellow Hair, an orphaned settler adopted by the Sioux who is taught to survive while navigating prejudice for his position as an outsider. It can’t be said enough that this was not a typical read during the Silver Age; the wonderful storytelling and layouts coupled with excellent covers make this title special.
Registry member Icculus308win has assembled this collection of books in near-impossible high grades over a period of 12 years. There are excellent descriptions, a wonderful synopsis of his relationship with the title, and callouts to fellow Registry members who helped him achieve the set goals. A true labor of love has gone into this one!
Highlight issues include #13 in 9.6, #7 in 9.6, and Four Color 443 — the first appearance of Ben Bowie — in 9.6! These gorgeous painted covers are well worth checking out!
Congratulations to Icculus308win for this outstanding collection and the 2024 award for Best Silver Age set!”
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