Is two better than one?

I could never imagine someone picking up a comic book for the cover alone and never being tempted to open it. I started to collect because the cover was so outrageously eye catching I needed to acquire it and read what it was about. The reason why I started to collect CGC graded comic books is because I want to get the best copy financially possible. In essence I am buying a double (not something I?d do with a car).

I was never a Rom fan. I did pick up a few when they came out but never searched them out. At the time the huge storyline was about the Wraiths, a shape shifting race that made the Skrulls look like your favorite babysitter. I purchased #65 at the 7-11 and couldn?t wait till #66 came out. The attractions promised every Marvel Super Hero would guest star. It?s hard to imagine a day when a single title could tell the story of an alien invasion.

I check out e-bay more than anywhere else for my CGC graded books when I came across Rom Annual #3 up for auction. It was a 9.8 with white pages. I looked it over, thought about it, and placed my bid. I lost (but you already knew that). I didn?t lose in the last few seconds like I did bidding on two copies of The New Mutants (that one still hurts). I lost because I set a budget limit.

I realize that if I did win I might start collecting all the Rom in a graded condition, if not just in a 9.8. Over the years Rom had many guest stars and this issue was no different. I was only trying to get it because it had The New Mutants guest starring. I mean seriously was I actually thinking of collecting Rom (this is no way an insult to those who like Rom?..or the Human Fly).

I purchased X-Men #160 in a 9.8 because it is the 1st appearance of Illyana Rasputin as a teenager. I think purchasing that issue put me into the mentality of collecting other comics with the New Mutants (I also lost on a MTU #100) The reason Rom sticks out so well (other than waiting for #66, which I never got), I went on a spending spree a little after my 13th birthday. I purchased almost every single Marvel title they had out on the racks. It was a little over three months worth. That day I was pleased to carry two bags home.

Once home I started to read them. I had to do this before my Mom got home from work, I had homework to do. As I was putting them in order to read I realized I Had two copies of Rom #72. This was the first time I ever purchased two of the same book. It was not the last.

So here I have the option of collecting Rom in a complete slabbed set or just opt to get those that mean something to me. Of course this opens a whole bunch of choices for me to make, like how bad do I want that Sub-Mariner #38 and if I get it will I be compelled to get the whole series. Where do I set my rules and boundaries? Do I get a reading copy and a CGC copy and if so it looks like I will be purchasing doubles all over again, just this time it will be on purpose.

Thanks for reading

Tnerb