sfcityduck

Batman 1 is an iconic cover. I much prefer it to CA 1. Frankly, I also prefer later CA covers to CA 1.

Like it or not, successful movies appear to drive up prices. Whether that is because of speculation, existing collectors becoming interested in something new, or fans of the movies discovering comics is subject to debate. But the effect is real. And it is more likely to impact a book that is not already inflated due to small supply and large demand. Of course, many times what inflates also deflates. That's sort of an inherent risk to "pre-heat speculation." But, the point of pre-heat speculation is to identify something that might pop in the future, and I think Akira is poised to get some serious good press based on Ready Player One, and momentum that will probably make the live action movie happen this time - boosting the comic. The other character that I think might pop as a result of Ready Player One is a bit more surprising.

Warner owns the rights to Akira. They plan to do a live action version. Ready Player One is a bit of a tryout. And based on the trailer for Ready Player One, it appears that Akira can be done well (at least visually). Make of that what you will.

I have a huge soft spot for the Iron Giant. So here's a question: The comic on the right (first comic appearance of Iron Giant, pre-dates the movie) is not difficult to find. But, has anyone ever seen the comic on the left?

If you have a mid to high grade FC 353, I'm interested!

For many years Terry's Diner was the best burgers in Eugene, Oregon.

I posted over on a thread on Modern that there are four words which I think will heat up a couple of 80s-90s comics: "Spielberg's Ready Player One" Two characters in particular will get a big boost from this Warner Bros. movie, mainly because Warner owns the rights to both characters and the whispers in the wind is that they are destined for their own return to movies soon. The last time these characters were in a movie was the 80s-90s.

Here's the lesser of the two characters I think will benefit. Oh ... did I mention Warner bought the rights?:

None of those are the two characters which appear to be featured (more than cameos) based on the trailer and certain comments made in the media. I am thinking of two characters who have not been in movies since before the turn of this century, but who have a significant following such that their role in this movie would delight their fan bases and might lead to demand. And, yes, I'm being cagey and trying to see if anyone reaches the same conclusion I do. Both appeared in U.S. comics that came out in the 90s (maybe 80s and 90s for one character), and those are what I'd expect to see have a bump.

The movie is different than the book. Check out the trailers. Some characters that were not major players in the book, are major players in the movie. Probably because Warner owns the rights. Books related to those characters could see a bump. Two especially come to my mind based on the trailers, and the trailers are not the end all be all of the movie.

Four words that will cause books to heat up in the next three months: Spielberg's Ready Player One

Now you are making me feel old. Bought all of those at the tail end of my youthful collecting, bagged them, and they sat in a dark closest in my parents house until last summer. Finally getting around to CGCing some of my old books. Lucky for me they all have white pages.

No way is that wdc&s Kelly.

zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZ wha? Did someone say something? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

"Quality Control" - 1/8

Looks like FF to me. Could be Atlas.

It's a matter of taste. I personally prefer the Atlas work done by Everett, Krigstein, Wildey, and other artists who never or rarely worked on Marvel superhero books to Ditko's Atlas stories. Which, I guess, means I prefer early Atlas to post-1959 Atlas. But, it's all good. I don't, however, view a Kirby or Ditko Atlas story as being "visually" more of a "Marvel" than work Kirby or Ditko did for other publishers during that time period, for example Kirby's Challengers or Ditko's Captain Atom.

Modern press and grade Submitted at SF Con - 9/1 Made it to Florida - 9/7 "At CCS" (and invoiced) - 11/27 "Received" by CGC - 12/6 "Scheduled for Grading" - 12/22 "Graded" - 1/4

It was a vain hope. Still "Scheduled for Grading" 12 days later. Oh well, everyone deserves time off, especially this time of year.

Modern press and grade Submitted at SF Con - 9/1 Made it to Florida - 9/7 "At CCS" (and invoiced) - 11/27 "Received" by CGC - 12/6 "Scheduled for Grading" - 12/22! Maybe there is hope after all!

What you are describing is the "Atlas Implosion"of 1957. Here's a good article on it: https://books.google.com/books?id=TrZ7Jx2nqIQC&pg=PA134&lpg=PA134&dq=Atlas+implosion.&source=bl&ots=ND4WkBoJDH&sig=rkUViM6MlRSlX9cvFScqRiwNXPU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi53pCSgZ7YAhVV5WMKHfKxCJUQ6AEINDAB#v=onepage&q=Atlas implosion.&f=false

Seems like pre-Code comics, regardless of publisher, are already red hot. Nothing special about Atlas compared to other publishers, as they have no real relationship to the Marvel superhero comics, so I don't see them appreciating faster than some of the other pre-Code publishers. The guys driving up the prices of comics, by the way, aren't "Wall Street investors." The comic market is too small, financially, to make it a target of institutional investors, and it takes too much effort to trade in it intelligently. While there is always speculation by some collectors, it sure seems the comic market prices are driven by folks who are passionate about comics. It's just that some of them have a lot of disposable income.

Anyone want to take any bets on whether CGC gets these graded this calendar year (e.g., within 4 months of submission)?

My goals include more than just acquiring books. For example, in the past I wanted Overstreet to correct some entries that bothered me and also wanted to get my name in print in a comic history book. This year, one of my goals beyond just finding books is a two parter: (1) get CGC to designate WDC&S subscription variants (they have different back covers and additional printing -- not a paste on label -- with the subscribers address) as such on the CGC holders and (2) succeed in getting a GA WDC&S subscription variant graded a 9.0+. I'm positive I can meet goal (2), I haven't tried to make any progress on goal (1) and don't know if I'll succeed or not.

And kudos to you, Jeff, for helping such a great project and spreading a very interesting bit of comic book history!