Two out of Three ain't bad

There are three things I collect. One of those items I won't get into because I can talk about Star Wars even longer than I can talk about comic books. The two others are comic books (which I think is apparent) and thirdly shot glasses. I have no written record logging my shot glasses, nor do I think do they have software for such a hobby. I acquire my comic books myself, as for the shots, I get them as gifts.

I have over three hundred of the glass souvenirs, the majority of which were given to me by my best friend. Out of all the ones I have, I have only purchased four. The people that have given me shot glasses were family, friends, coworkers, and even customers of mine. Once I find out they are going somewhere for business or pleasure I ask for them to bring me back one, something of their choice (and budget).

My place is small so displaying them was difficult. I use old 100 count cassette holders with a few minor adjustments. After pulling unneeded shelves and making measurements each one holds either 50 or 60 inside and another 10 to 15 on top. I have five of these units fully filled, I just purchased a sixth holder for the growing mass. If I were to add up the approximate cost for these it would total close to $2000. All my AC (After Collecting) have all been purchased by me except Ultimate Fantastic Four #21. My best friend picked it up in Maine and wouldn't let me pay him for it.

The few places I have traveled to in my life would consist of a search for a comic book store. Some times I was successful, sometimes I wasn't. If I did happen to find one I would take the extra time, search the place out, and spend time followed by spending money. I of course would compare it to my earliest comic book experience. The first time I picked up a comic in a "strange" comic shop was soon after my father moved to Ventnor Heights, NJ. I was 13.

I walked around the neighborhood constantly pushing my boundaries. One day I picked up a phone book and saw there was a comic shop in the neighboring township of Ventnor, NJ. I set off one early Saturday morning after my father left for work. Heading in the general direction, no map-quest, no GPS, and no way in hell I could even ask my father. I criss crossed streets until I came across the street I saw in the yellow pages.

I arrived before the store opened, even remembering the sun shining on the building. The only thing I remember purchasing was a copy of New Mutants #8. I have since re-bagged and boarded this same book numerous times, however I still have the original bag and board, not in use of course. The bag is yellowed as well as the board. I can't figure out why I haven't thrown it away yet.

I have been in stores as far north as Toronto and south in Florida. I only got as far as Arkansas going west but I was preoccupied at the time. I was 18 and went only because of a girl named Rachel. So here I have these three collections of Star Wars, Shot glasses ( which grow in number because of the generosity of others) and my comic collection.

I tend to read what I buy, and I buy what I collect. So far all my CGC books are copies that I have already own in my collection. I just made a purchase for 11 new books (one of those being New Mutants #8) and won a couple in some auctions. I eagerly await for these to arrive. I have found the internet is great for this but there is something wonderful about going into a brand new comic book shop you have never been in before. Thanks for reading.

Tnerb