or a Bit Personal

The Story Ends Here

Or a Bit personal

It's been a long trek for my ASM #129. It had been graded a total of five times, has three signatures, and has changed grades twice, both for the better. I have written so much about this book and have it next to me while I write this. I'm gazing at it and as I have no proper display for it I am going to have to put it away with my other Amazing Spider-Man's. It's funny the signature I am most unhappy with is Stan Lee's. When the book came back a 9.4 with his scrawl on it, it was one of two, and that second one had such a better signature spot. If it was up and over a half an inch it would have been so much better, but that is nothing to regret. My Next journey is getting my New Mutants #15 signed by him, you know the 4.5 copy. I think this is a book since it is my book that I might, just might get everyone that was part of the book to sign it. I have to hurry up and think this now.

Those people include and as mentioned:

Stan Lee, Presentor:

Chris Claremont, Writer: Achieved

Sal Buscema, penciler:

Tom Mandrake, finisher:

Glynis Wein, colorist:

Tom Orzechowski, letterer:

Louise Jones, editor:

Jim Shooter, top cat:

The fact is, financially I don't know if I can afford it. The ASM #129 is a dream come true. Not just because of having all three signatures but because it is a sought after book. When I was younger and just getting into my comic books I was happy with my New Mutants, Iron Man, X-Men, And other multiple series. I purchased them for .60. I never understood how my cousin at Giants Sized X-Men and the early X-Men issues to boot, including 94 through 137 with random missing issues. He was younger than me and I was amazed at what he had. A friend around the corner, a school mate, and others that I knew had many more than me.

I've kept collecting comic books a secret during my initial entry into the hobby. I don't know if it was shame, fear, or maybe because I didn't feel like my collection amounted to anything. I started to get whatever books I could. After my Bar-Mitzvah, I snagged a hundred dollars of my gifts and brought it to my closest comic book shop. I have been here before as young as the age of ten. I bought from the three for a dollar rack, mostly Richie Rich's and Casper. Secret Wars two was making an impact, possible a negative one, especially after the success of the first story. And although looking back I wish the proprietor would have stopped me and showed me the back issues I would most likely have snubbed him.

The stack I had was only about $32, and I had a hundred dollar bill. I went back looking for more. By the time I was done, I paid a little over $70. Then t was the long trek home, not to mention if my Mom was home I would have to sneak it into the house. This same comic shop, about three or four years later, and a different household is where I found Daredevil #1 and this Amazing Spider-Man #129. The latter being the only comic book I read on an immaculate table other than the LongShot limited series. This book outlasted relationships, friendships, jobs, and homes. It stood by me and was read by me as my collection grew and morphed, not around it but with it. It then joined the illustrious club of being graded. I won't sicken you with details you might have already red, but for any newbie's you will find an extensive history of this book after I got it.

I have made friends on this registry, not just acquaintances, or people to chat with, but friends, people I would open my home too. Surfer 99 (477) and I would jockey for position. He collected, what I consider the crème de la crop compared to my latest flavor. Then Bagofleas(167) who still to this day has the collection I would most want. Him and I are of the same age, although I am slightly older, the title that broke our virginity was the New Mutants, mine with issue #15, his was issue #32. But he has so much more I would love to follow in his footsteps.

Lee K is another that has an amazing collection, and yet none of them is what I would go after...well, maybe I wouldn't go after. These collectors are a bit higher than me. Then there are the Big Boys, RonnyLama (49) and Shivabali (31). A place I know I will never achieve. I was fortunate to even see some beautiful books that belonged to one of the most kind and generous people I know; mind you he is a pretty decent shot in pool too. I hope to be at ECCC again with the trio of them in 2014 (Surfer99, Bagofleas hint hint). These two gentlemen are in the top 50. TOP 50. Oh, and Shivabali makes a great burger.

But somehow I never felt inferior to these fellow collectors. They made me feel part of their world and part of the community. This community has grown and still even more people come I that I respect Screenwriter3d (567) who like me likes to write, both on the journals and elsewhere. And Kaholo1256 (1251) who looks for perfection on sketch books and any recent modern books, not to mention being overseas, thank you for serving. At the ECCC dinner I met some of the boardies, while I had a great time, it was not enough. One dinner could never be enough.

So what am I getting at? Maybe I just want new members to know, most recently presenting his self on the journals meshuggah (1829). Welcome, I bid you all welcome, come in, the water's fine. Don't be shy, don't slink away, this hobby we have this wonderful hobby we have won't go away. Write Journals, add books. Enjoy. Conventions abound and late, very late, turnaround times, this hobby is great.

Thanks for Reading,

No really Thanks for this one and all the rest.

Tnerb

PS This whole journal got away from me. I wanted to write About my ASM #129 because so many people wished me well on that book. So many people wanted me to have the best things possible for me and whether they gave their well wishes or their amazing Karma, the journal morphed into something heartfelt.

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