Writing for fun and amusement in my first run within the collector society and other items!

IT'S ON THE WAY!!!! Wooo-hoooo!

What you say?

Several months ago I added a new stop in the Comic Con tour, Baltimore. The reason? My two daughters have taken interest in their dad's love for comic-ie-ness. They've heard the "Tales from comicon" and seen the pictures, they wanted nothing more to join their old man to an event. What a way to start them off, but with a visit to Stan Lee - Autographs and photos to boot.

This was my oldest's second con. She worked hard at school and earned the first trip to Philly. Baltimore seemed small and manageable in comparison to take the youngest as well (FYI to those with kids I do recommend Baltimore as a starter). Despite the 6+ hours of line standing, we had a blast AND they met their idol (Stan Lee) as well.

The torture was waiting for the signed books to come back from the CGC. As many of you may know, there was an explosion of entries to the CGC that they didn't have enough staff to grade all the books and get them out in time. WELL the wait is over! Talked to the CGC this morning and the Fed-ex truck is on its way with our swag (and I'm resisting the urge to hug the delivery person when they get here). I'm very excited to see what they scored.

What I got done? Glad you asked! I gave my oldest the Platinum version of Spider-Man #1. A book I originally nabbed off e-bay for myself, but gave it to her instead. Quoted to be Near mint or better, but once it got here there were some flaws to the cover alone. The youngest got my copy of Invincible Iron Man #1 Joe Quesada sketch cover (from Wizard World Philly). I tried to keep that book perfect from the day I got it. The third is Ultimate Spider-Man 160 Joe Quesada cover, for myself. The last book came from e-bay and it was very pristine - maybe even gem. I can wait to see what they rated and the looks on my girl's faces!

In other news! My 3 complimentary Collector society books are done and on the way as well. A small mix up, because they were supposed to return with 5 other books I submitted at NYCC. It doesn't sound like there is an up-charge from the mistake. So not a big deal, I guess.

I have to admit that I cheated on those books and looked at the grades on the site. I'm a little disappointed on the one book. It underperformed at an 8.5, a lot less than what I estimated. Wolverine Origins 10 - third claw variant sold on e-bay as near mint/near mint+! When I got the book I knew from the cover alone that there was no way it was near mint+! I also thought it was better than fine. In the end; as a raw book I paid too much for it but with it graded I broke even. For the collection regardless - just in the future I need to be more aware on what I buy on e-bay.

The other two. Wolverine Origins 2 Canadian variant graded at a 9.6 and Uncanny X-Men 122 graded at a 8.5.

For now I eagerly await for the delivery person.

1:30 update: They have arrived. The scores:

Spider-man 1 Platinum signed by Stan Lee - 8.5

The Invincible Iron Man 1 WW08 edition (sketch cover)signed by Stan Lee - 9.4

Ultimate Spider-Man 160 Quesada cover signed by Stan Lee - 9.6

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