It's the same old hobby in a whole new way.

I remember beginning my collection with New Mutants #15. I was mesmerized by the cover. I picked it up from the 7-11 comic book rack and brought my purchase to the counter. I hurried home with what I bought and read it. At this time I was only twelve and I was not a fan of reading books. Lucky for me these weren't books, they were comic books.

I absorbed what I read not only because I immensely enjoyed it but because I read it over and over again before not only doing my homework but as well as before my mother arrived home from work. The problem was where do I keep it? Where could I store it safely? I had book shelves but that meant I would have to keep it upright. That wouldn't work. I opted to empty a drawer of clothes and leave it flat in there.

Eventually my collection grew and I was able to get my first half box. This box grew to one full box. I collected ony a small amount and it was three years before I had a box and a half. One day I had a large disagreement with my mother so much so that I moved in with my father. I was 15. My Mom never really liked me collecting comic books, my Dad, he really didn't care.

My collection grew quicker, the only reason for this was my father didn't mind me walking to the comic book store. Eventually and quickly I had three large comic boxes and one half box. I can still picture them at the foot of my twin bed and using them as a place for my alarm clock. I still have the actual half box to this day. I would fill the smaller box then transfer to the larger boxes this way they didn't fall over in the box.... as much.

I felt an accomplishment as three boxes were soon five, then I had seven and more and more boxes when I moved out on my own that I covered them with a sheet and used it has a display table. Just other statues and comic related items. I only stored what I thought were my really important books in bags. My collection grew so large that I eventually needed a room for them.

Alas times are tough. I no longer have all those issues that I horded and collected rather then have a good cooked meal. I am simple now. I picked a few titles that I wanted to have all of them and set to collect them, once I complete one I will start another. In fact I am coming in close to finishing my Daredevil run. Something I am rather proud of, but now there are books slabbed away in plastic to collect. At first I was appaled, after all comic books are for reading. I purchased a few as a novelty and then had some of my own graded. Then I found something so amazing so magical I had to have it, New Mutants #1.

To many I am sure it is nothing, to myself and one other kindred spirit on here at least(Bagofleas), I was overjoyed, I haggled with the price, even walked away hoping he would go lower. After an hour of thinking and $45.00 less in my pocket I now decided I would get all the New Mutants in CGC 9.8. Bagofleas has a big head start on me and although I don't feel competitive against him I would be honored to be able to complete the set just like I know he will do before me.

Tnerb 19-Nov-09

Ps. :Now I have only one box of slabbed books but I know one day, years from now, I'll look back on this day like I look back on the day I first kept my comics in a clothes drawer. Thanks for reading, have fun collecting.