Wherein the Hero gets his first submissions back, and muses on sundry related items.

I got my first batch of comics back, 5 Moderns. I can't say I am disappointed by the scores (9.4, two 9.6's), but I was hoping for 9.8's (don't we all?). Two of the books were lower, but I knew they would be (2 ASM 238: one a respectable 8.0, the other had the Tattooz removed so it got a very low qualified 6.0, which was a surprise to me and I wouldn't have sent it out had I noticed the Tattooz were removed -- live and learn).

I am trying to figure out how to accurately grade my own books (Don't worry CGC, we will still need you). I know there is no science to it, but I will take more time to look at the books I send in, make notes of what I think the grade should be (or a range), and see how I fair vs. the CGC graders. Over time my grading has evolved. There were the obvious things to look for (blunting, rips, divots, etc.) but then there are conditions I wouldn't have looked at before (i.e. running my finger along the spine to feel for hidden breaks) that are now de rigueur. I am confident I will get to the point where I can be accurate (though that may take a lot of money and heartbreak).

I am still waiting on two more submissions (one group of 21 moderns, and one of 8 Golden/Silver age comics I had pressed -- yes, I went there. Why shouldn't an absolutely stunning square bound EC annual have a slight spine roll flattened out?), and I am slowly amassing the funds for a 15+ Silver and Bronze group (Iron Man 55, Conan 1, JIM 93, early B&Bs). This can be expensive. Who am I kidding -- it IS expensive!!! Slabbing is growing on me. The beauty of a slabbed book, and being able to enjoy it without worry of damage or lowering the grade inadvertently, is a plus. If I want to read it there are so many reprints and TPBs out there that I can read the book, and entire runs, leisurely and cheaply, er, inexpensively. And after getting books slabbed, inexpensive is music to my ears!!!

The one thing I think slabbing does take away from the hobby is the thrill of the hunt. I recently went to look through a collection where I was allowed to cherry pick, and I got some really nice finds (for example: Batman Annual 7 with such brightness and a smooth glossy cover that it looks like one of the recent reprints DC has done of the Giant Size books). I bought a slabbed book from that collection as well (early Superman at 6.5), but that part of the purchase was a straight business transaction. Buying the rest of the books was as much fun as searching for them. But these are my own proclivities.

Anyway, I am rambling, and more to come when I get the grades for the 2nd group (21 moderns). The turnaround times are getting longer (and Leon is getting larger), though I do appreciate the new column that gives me a more realistic idea of when I will be getting my submissions back (Late June!!!! Holy P's and Queues, Batman!, and Late JULY -- ZOIKS!!!). It almost makes me want to send everything in Fast Track . . . hmm, is this a marketing ploy by CGC?

Ok, enough rambling. Until I get my next group in, or if in submitting comics I come up with more I need to get off my chest, I will keep reading other's journals and keep searching for that farm fresh Action #1 (or Detective 27, or . . . . ).

To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.