Harley Quinn #0 signed and sketched by Jock
purchased raw in 2015

This book was originally submitted for a sketch opportunity for SDCC 2015.
DScott was the facilitator.
Jock did not complete all the submitted sketch submissions before the end of the convention / he had to return overseas.
Those that did not get their sketch completed were told we could get a refund or wait until the next sketch opportunity.
I rolled the dice and figured 'what the heck ?'.

More than a year later I got my book back....

This was envisioned as a counterpart to Jock's Detective Comics #880 cover.
I specifically requested Harley in her 'classic' costume.
My only qualm, especially after waiting over a year, is that there should be a splash of red used.
I really think that would make it [chef's kiss].

One couldn't tell from the photos, but this book has some of the worst Newton rings.
I've wanted to send it in for a reholder, but only do that when I can upgrade the custom label.

Since then Jock sketch opportunities have mentioned 'limited to Batman sketches only' (2021) or 'subject to artist discretion' (2022).
It is interesting to see that his asking price for a sketch has risen from $500 to $925.
Inflation...

House of Secrets #92 signed by Louise Simonson and Bernie Wrightson
purchased raw in 2012

Fan Fact:
Louise Simonson (then Louise Jones) was the reference model for this cover.
(see photo #2)

One day in 2012, my friends and I visited a comic store that was having an indoor 'sidewalk' sale.
They placed a bunch of boxes of recently acquired comics and you could fill a short box for $25.
This book, House of Secrets #92, was mixed in with those various books.
Also purchased that day were approximately 20 copies of a local 'bathtub' variant for Hack / Slash #1.
I honestly can not remember any other books that were also in the short box.

Knowing the condition of House of Secrets #92 would keep it from being overly desirable I decided to have it signed by Bernie Wrightson to 'plus up the value'.
Then, it just so happened, Louise Simonson was going to be at the same show.
So, I decided to get both signatures.
My logic being, 'the more signature...the more value...'

Image United #1 signed by Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino
with remarques from Erik Larsen and Rob Liefeld
purchased raw in 2011

This book was primarily completed at Image Expo 2012 by Joel Elad.
McFarlane's signature was completed via Desert Wind Collectibles in 2013.

When Image Expo was announced I was excited with the nerdy prospect of getting a book signed by all the Image partners / creators / leadership team.
(minus McFarlane who only signed for Desert Wind at the time)
This book came back with not only different marker colors used, but also bonus remarques.
It also came back a 9.6 Signature Series.

When Desert Wind had their next McFarlane signing I decided to send this book to them.
To my surprise it came back a 9.8
The power of the Toddfather?

Incredible Hulk #181
purchased already graded in 2019

I purchased this book and another (Fantastic Four #48) with monies from eBay sales.
Wolverine is my second favorite Marvel character after Spider-Man.
The goal was to pick up some low grade keys that would appreciate in value over time.

Incredible Hulk #340
purchased graded (but not signed) in 2014

As mentioned in my Amazing Spider-Man #300 post, Incredible Hulk #340 was my 2nd most desired book when I got back into collecting in 2010.
This copy was purchased as a 9.6 Universal via a VCC.
It was priced below market value.
I grabbed it even though I am not really a fan of newsstand copies.

As the years went on I realized I wanted a to submit it for a Todd McFarlane Signature Series opportunity.
Glad I finally got it done, but honestly upset the book came back a 9.4 afterward.
You win some, you lose some...

Don't think I'll achieve the goal of finishing the year.
Actually retiring this 2023 thread.
Look forward to restarting in 2024...

Have one new book to add in 2024's list.
Have two on deck -
One from the recent Neil Gaiman signing and one from the upcoming Mark Hamill signing 
ANNNDDD possibly another (from a currently unannounced signing) to add in 2024.

My 2024 post my actually bump to 60 books since I discovered the new BCW lockable CGC cases that fit 30 books each versus the cases I have that fit 25 books each.