Or Hate Me if You Like

At the NYCC I first found out about CVA. I don't follow the boards as some people think I should and yes I like to stay safely tucked inside the journals area, mainly because it is what I know. I also couldn't get to the chat boards when I originally joined so I never gained a love for that part of the site.

When I first learned about CVA I wanted to know more, I contacted them directly and had two lengthy conversations with Joe Veteri, the first one was after I already wrote something about them entitled "What is CVA?"

I wrote a Part two which was mostly my conversation with Joe. I am horrible at transcribing and used my own twist, which is pretty much why my interview with CGC went unfinished and my Interview with Matt Nelson still has to be completed.

I have heard so many things about CVA, the majority of them negative. I received a message in my inbox from a registry member and I thought to myself that this article helped him. He is new to collecting and feels that CVA might very well help him with his endeavors. This hobby can eat you up and spit you out. In 1993, the industry almost crashed, in fact comic book prices fell after everyone jumped off the band wagon. Pre-Unity Valiant titles still aren't what they were going for when they first came out, CGC graded copies withstanding. A little third party help can go a long way.

I believe CVA is not here to make a buck but to comfort the new collector or someone willing to bid on a book and wants the best for their money. I purchased a 9.8 copy of the New Mutants issue #6, a copy that never should have been a 9.8 in my eyes. The cover is not centered and a good portion of the back cover is part of the front cover. I have since upgraded my copy and had it signed for a signature series edition. I still have the 9.8, but I think it should be a 9.6. Could I argue with CGC that they don't know what they are talking about, that they can't grade. I could, but much like "exceptional eye appeal" grading is subjective to the grader.

For instance I would think a 9.9 should be white pages only, but there are some that are off-white to white pages. I don't know why, but the graders of CGC feel that the book was perfect in every other regard and I can accept that just like I can accept seeing a CVA sticker on a book that I want might push me to spend the few extra dollars to win the bid or purchase outright, sure I can see when a book looks good but isn't it nice to know that someone else agrees with you.

I for one believe in CVA. I believe very much what Joe believes, that this hobby is a fun and exceptional hobby to be part of. I might even be jealous that he came up with this concept, but to see the sticker on a book makes it easier to know I'm getting my money's worth.

I don't have to send books to CVA if I disagree with Joe. I don't have to purchase books stamped with his sticker, I don't even have to write about him, but I don't have to get my books graded either. I don't need CGC to tell me my Daredevil #5 is a poor copy and wouldn't be above a .5 or that my New Mutants #15 in a 4.5 signature series was not worth the money I spent to have it graded and regraded with a signature.

I don't have to show my books to CVA to have them label it with their "exceptional eye appeal" sticker, if and only if it passes their standards, no, I don't have to do that at all, I do it much like I send books to CGC, because I want to.

Thanks for Reading

Tnerb

PS. I did just see Red Dawn so that might attribute to what I wrote above, so whether negative or positive I want to hear from you. Please comment on how you feel about CVA? Or me for that matter, but whatever you do, don't see Red Dawn unless it's the original version.

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