Foolkiller

Glenn's inventory was excellent for a smaller dealer, and he had prime material as well as some bargain stuff. I spent a very large chunk with him and was excited to do so. Glenn was fair, grades accurately and the deal was good for both of us. Bob also found a lot of great books, and there were other dealers who I think were really straight shooters. I found more guys in Baltimore who knew how to price to market and were looking to actually sell books instead of have a museum. I thought this year's Baltimore was one of best for buying from a variety of dealers both large and small. people were friendly and the deals were fair. About all I can ask for from a comic show.

My favorite show of the year. Marc does an awesome job. I thought there was plenty to buy, but don't know what other guys were looking for. Picked up the Flash 1 CGC 2.5 from Superworld Ted and then snagged a sweet Tec 66 and a nice Tec 69 as well as a Miss Fury 1 and then some nice high end Silver. Bob Storms and Rick both had A-level stuff. Richard Evans had a slew of great books, but I was shot by the time I got to his booth. Fellow board member murphman13 had an awesome selection with some beautiful pre code books, big super keys and some really nice high grade. Picked up a nice MS 5 CGC 9.2 and a couple Hulk 181s. Picked up a HOS 92 CGC 7.5 for under GPA. Enjoyed the on site grading and that went super smooth. I hope people checked Glenn (murphman13) out over the weekend cause he had some awesome stuff. Bought random high grade from a bunch of other guys, then picked up a nice original owner small collection of high grade Marvels on Friday night that someone lugged to the show. Flew to Napa on Saturday AM and skipped the rest of the show.

Wow -- now here are some old time boardies -- Lighthouse sighting and Joanna. The work is still amazing Joanna, thanks for doing it.

This is part of what I was highlighting before... there's a lot of books being sold to the public, and the point of view of many on the boards is that of "weekend warrior" dealer. Therefore, we're measuring by whether we can find books to flip as easily at shows. I don't think there's any doubt that you cannot. I started adjusting to this two years ago so I wouldn't be relying on big shows anymore. I've never had more buying inventory, better buying prospects and more material. If you're not succeeding at shows anymore, there are plenty of other places to buy. I've said this a few times here and I learned this lesson early on, taught by many, better, savvier dealers. Access is everything. You can "overpay" to get it, but it will always pay dividends down the road. Now... with the being said, those pointing out that the drek is more plentiful than ever before and harder to sell and is in sharp decline are all absolutely correct. But I've found many stores are selling through that as well... it just has to be priced cheap. Like the economy, there's a widening gulf between the very high and very low.

But that's a different segment, the 'weekend warriors' because the only thing we are doing there is flying in and expecting to score big or hit a home run. When I spoke to the dealers, it's mostly the folks set up who I feel are used to having a regular customer base with a real website operating a real business so their point of view is different than ours. While you're closer to a real full blown full time dealer, you still skate a bit of the line because you don't operate the full blown dealer route. And you (and I) also tend to look for very big high end books, either raw and submit or upgrades. The guys who are looking for ASM 301s, that $5 book that sells for $50 or slabs for $250 I think can find the deals but they are harder, because more people are on it, there's more weekend warrior dealers and dealers are savvier to those types of books. It does happen less for all the reasons you cited as well as the people selling the books to dealers also having more options. Although I do enjoy going to the big national shows, socializing has become more of the feature point than buying. I could fill half my week, every week, going and buying either major keys or significant books all across the country because it always seems as if someone has something they're offering these days of quality -- or there's a small regional show that has less competition and the deals are often still there. There's just too many of the guys flying in to make it worth it to do strictly for buying, but for the regular dealers, I believe the fact that they're selling strong shows the public is also buying at retail, which is a good thing for all of us.

I'll just echo what Dan said, I've spoken to a number of dealers who reported great shows, both buying and selling. I do think that who you speak to and how the show goes for you individually can color your perspective. If you hit that one great deal in the room, then suddenly it was an 'amazing' show. Heroes has always been a traditionally strong buying show. Competition is now stronger than ever at these shows. If you drive 7.5 hrs as 1Cool did and don't hit that home run, I can relate to the feeling of meh, was it all that great? But with that said, it sounds like most folks did well and it was a great time.

Too late, I already did.

That would be an Iced Tea.

Is the next rant and rave going to be chicken soup for the comic soul?

Bob -- What is the meaning of life? Other questions include, do you think Seeberger is as angry as he appears, or is it all just an act? Do you sing 'for he's a jolly good fellow' to all your customers? Is Richard Evans truly as tall as he appears in pictures? Do you expect me to kiss the ring next time I see you? I generally only genuflect right now.

As someone earlier said, it's two different markets. What Torpedo is doing is great and forward thinking, trying to reach the target demographic or customers who want to buy comics but simply don't want to fight the rest of the crowds. If it weren't so far away I'd certainly want to attend. Lots of comic shows these days all around the country. I'm glad torpedo is putting this show on.

On Sunday in Baltimore there's the Spring Fling, and I know of a few national dealers and some regional VA dealers who are doing that instead.

I was very happy to sell it -- while a beautiful copy, I've been moving back to Marvel keys...

If people are serious about the Saturday thing and continuing it as a functioning part in connection with Terry's show the night before, I would be willing to take over the cost and pay for the entire room. I'm not even sure I can make it next year (as I've never been able to get the timing right) but I'd be happy to provide this space for the people to trade etc. and it's frankly not a ridiculous cost to do it. If there's enough interest, I'll coordinate with some local boardies and Terry to make it happen again next year. Perhaps I'll even put some beer in the room for everyone.

Congrats to the guys for putting on a really spectacular small local show that is a reminder of the John Paul Clifton shows I attend on the East Coast. The presence of so many national dealers (Brian Peets (A-1 Comics), Phil Schlaeffer (Champion), Alan Bahr (Heroes), Harley Yee, and Bunky Brian was the most I've ever seen in one place for a show of this type. The quality of the books in the room was fantastic with plenty of GA, super keys (AF 15, ASM 1, TMNT 1 etc) along with high grade, mid, low and every type of genre. Being less than an hour from Napa, it made for a great weekend to be able to fly in, attend the con, but still do wine country stuff and all the restaurants. Packed a ton into this weekend. I wish I could have stayed and met more boards, but was thrilled to meet some guys in person (including wormboy and primetime) and to get a chance to converse with them. Found plenty to buy and was able to spend a bunch in a very convenient and not overly jammed area. It is indeed an old school con. It's a fantastic show and as time goes on, you can certainly see it growing even more. Weekend warriors, guys selling their own collections etc. They hype can continue to build with this show and there's a lot of books in CA.

Psyched up for this show and to support it. I think it's gonna be a blast. If you're a boardie and see me wandering about (asian guy glasses (no flip flops) t-shirt, blue fleece) say hello!

Well, there's a footnote to that auction, it's the Fantucchio pedigree, that have been going for nearly 1.5 - 2x other comps in many cases. Doesn't mean this price is wrong etc., just that the 9.2 at auction is no ordinary 9.2 -- the colors on it are exceptional and it's a white pager. There's a 9.0 in the same C-Link auction.

Wish I could! Sounds like fun.

last

bat232 take it

TOD 10 Take it

All good.

take it

I'll take it.

I'll take this.