This turned into a prelude to a points journal I am thinking about writing.

I decided to collect Locke & Key after FCBD 2011. I purchased all the trades that are available and am currently collecting the recent issues as well. I decided that I would collect this series with certain stipulations. The first one is other than the current issues I would only buy graded copies of this series. The other major stipulation is I will not purchase anything below a 9.8 Signature series with white pages. If I get anything below that grade it will be because I sent it in myself hoping I picked out a mint copy or it would have to be a really good price.

I have noticed Signature Series books of Locke & Key are cheaper than the New Mutants in a Universal grade which brings about questions on points. I know an algorithm is used but I don't understand it (probably because I wasn't given all the information). On Average Locke & Key has more graded issues per issue then the New Mutants (not including #87 and #98), so I wonder is this why the points are higher for Locke & Key than for the New Mutants. The latter of the two from issues #1-15 and 16-85 are 25 points apiece in a 9.8 and only an extra two points with a signature. Locke & key is 32 points apiece and an additional 3 for SS. How is a series that begun in 2008 worth more than a series that started in '82.

Currently there are 139sets of The complete New Mutants and 9sets of the New Mutants Liefeld set. There are only 35 Locke & Key sets. Shouldn't popularity come into play hear bringing the points up for a set that has greater quantity? Not to mention that paper today has better quality. A current Locke & Key book is a lot easier to take care of then a book from the early eighties.

Of course I would like the New Mutants to be more points especially since it would help me overall on the registry but let's be honest how is a gem mint copy of the New Mutants #1 only worth 60 points. It should be 100 at least (if not 5x that amount). For a small period of time since I joined the registry issues #16 had a greater point amount until they adjusted issue #98. Then what about the X-men? Issue #1 of the New Mutants came out round the same time as issue #165. Between 165 and 200 a 9.8 copy is worth at least 80 points compared to issues #1-#35 of the New Mutants which is only worth 25 points apiece. Those same X-men issues are graded so much more than the New Mutants, so does popularity count because of the amount graded and not the amount of sets or do they both multiply the point system?

I sent Gemma an email and she told me about the algorithm she uses but I would really like to know the actual formula. She mentioned she enters the information and that is how we get the point grid. Of course at 3:30 in the morning when I am writing this I can't reference the information...and as I am typing this into my computer at 4:30 in the morning I can't seem to find it.

Signature Series books also have a higher point value due to signatures but shouldn't a Multiple signature book give the issue a higher point value. Then there is age color (or quality). I am sure Gemma has her hands full but these are just my thoughts. I even like Bagofleas idea of buying a book low for it's higher point value but am hesitant to collect a book on value based on points alone. For an example there are ten DC graded books I want (not cheap tough) that would help me in points but I don't wish to get them just yet because of my desire to complete a set.

Thanks for Reading

Tnerb