I was able to get a complete set of the comics from a flea market in college (probably in 2003 or so). I don't remember what I paid, but it was under $10 (because all I had was a ten spot on me)...
My dad worked for a toy distributer in the late 1970s. Just before I was born, they were given a VCS as a corporate Christmas present. I think that was 1978. It lasted until about 1990, when our basement was flooded. Dad threw it out, while I was at school. I spent the next five years looking for one (with all of the means that an elementary school student has), and I eventually found one at a local church's rummage sale. $20 bought me a Vader, 30 games, 3 joysticks (but no paddles), the AC adapter and switchbox, and one of those Game Center things to keep it in. I've had (at least) one in my possession ever since (that was probably 17 or 18 years ago).