jbud73

That may be true, but the samples of books graded in the last couple of years were a far cry of grading standards I observed in the 2003-2006 era. Granted it's a statistically insignificant sampling I've observed, but I've seen enough over the last decade to know that grading "trends" at CGC have indeed emerged, even if it's only in my head Here are a few reasons why the strictness varies IMO, sometimes to noticeable levels. 1. What are CGC grading criteria standards, that they strictly adhere to? This one is rhetorical 2. Grading is subjective. 3. People are unique and different people are constantly grading different books. So not only is grading subjective, but the individuals applying grades are also imbuing their own interpretation of criteria that is does not have the ability to be subject to peer review outside of a small subset. Now all of that said I think CGC does an admirable job A) Creating a basis for the application of a subjective exercise. We have the ability to assess their grading from book to book over a very large sample size. B) Retention of their grading staff, which is obviously important for consistency. So I think they do a good job, but anyone along a long enough timeline will show variance in the subjective application of grading a comic. CGC has the timeline and volume to allow those variances to show up and be observed by a wider audience.

I've been trying to keep the thread active but it's been harder and harder for me to fill the holes in the run (and post the new arrivals). I started searching for the squarebound PFs in 2007. And all of them in 2008. Five years later, I'm wondering how many more years it'll take to complete the run in 9.0+. I've got a feeling it could be another 5 years or more before I find all 388 in 9.0 or better. The challenge definitely makes it a lot of fun. But I wish some nice Millies, Wyatt Earps, and My Loves would surface before I hit retirement age. That set will be a sight to see as most of us BAers understand that it is IMO opinion on par with a 30 or 35 cent set quest as there are more overall books and some real hard ones in there if your base level requirement is 9.0.

Was having a discussion over the weekend regarding JRJR ASMs from the mid-200s; a few of them have popped up recently but was curious if anyone knew where this Cover might be, or had seen it?

WF 21 : With an $800 minimum, hammers for 9K, looks like even back then there was a bidding frenzy

This is a 'work of art' not a 'piece of art'. Amazing. Thanks for posting this. Awesome thread. The bottom half is wonderful indeed, spectacular really. In all fairness though don't you find the top half overrendered though? IMO the piece would have been 'more' with a little 'less'. Sometimes on these frankenstein plates in my probably very unpopular opinion Berni didn't know what to leave out. He sure put a lot in though. Its a great, great piece, but.... I think he would have benefited from making the focal point tight and letting the edges of the piece be looser or at least less detailed. The way frazetta did with his oil paintings. I can see that, but here is why I disagree. I think that the extreme detail in the background adds to it as being vast and therefore enhances the contrast of the Monster as being small or as the notes indicate despondent. It is almost as if the nothingness is towering over him and therefore adds to the poignancy of the piece IMO. I know Scott William's piece for example is just a POW pop OMG example as it the plate in the laboratory. But for me there is something about this plate that emotes the feeling of what it means to be seen as a Monster from the the perspective of the Monster himself.

This is a 'work of art' not a 'piece of art'. Amazing. Thanks for posting this. Awesome thread.

Sienkiewicz painted art

Yes about 99% sure that it still resides with him. I guess I should have changed my post to, "does anyone know how to convince Walt to get a CAF account?"

Chris's point is a sad but true one, that said I think it is a nice idea for a thread, and if nothing else could consolidate the "Anyone know where X piece is" postings that pop up pretty much once a week. Might even be a potential sticky thread?? For my part I'd just like to see some of the art even if it ends up in another person's CAF gallery. New Teen Titans 13: The battle might get bloody if this ever came on the market, but I'd just like to see the cover in all its original glory. Tales of the Teen Titans 47: I would love to make a run at this cover, have never seen it. And of course - the Bank would have to break, but this baby is just

Ok, this is an announcement / FYI for a thread that will start on Wednesday at 6:30 PST. At that time I will post 50 or more (we'll see how the thread goes) Raw books, all nice examples from both Marvel and DC in the Silver and Bronze Ages. Look forward to selling some nice comics to my fellow forumites

I don't know Joe Rubinstein from Adam, and I also have no connection to his 'clients' except that I've read their posts on an internet forum, that said.... It boggles my mind that a, "hey he gets it right once in a while" mentality means his business practices might be ok? And in saying this I am not denigrating those that received commissions, however I am floored by another example that the comics collectibles world does not reside in real world of business ethics or practices. Quite frankly the only way this will change is if individuals that have been defrauded, taken advantage of, ripped off, or take your pick, refuse to stand for what has happened to them. It seems as if there are a few individuals that Mr. Rubinstein has taken advantage of. Gentlemen (if one of you is female I apologize), my sincere recommendation to you is to contact one another and gather together as one entity to avail yourself to the various institutions at your disposal to make life as uncomfortable for Mr. Rubinstein as possible. Legally, publicly, through as many avenues as possible. When situations such as this exist, the more voices in the wilderness the better, it will demonstrate to institutions that are in a position to assist you that this is NOT a one-off, that in fact this may be a systemic issue with premeditated patterns of an individual in society actively seeking to defraud other individuals in multiple instances. Based on the examples illustrated on this forum, I'd say that is a pretty fair assessment of what is going on. Mr. Rubenstein solicited work, was paid for that work and has not delivered on that agreement in a timely fashion. End of story. I would make life as difficult for him as he has made it for those who have been effected by his unwillingness to honor financial agreements negotiated in good faith by paying customers.

Purchased a bunch of books of me, good communication, thanks again.

That IronMan 102 is awesome (thumbs u

The line art is AWESOME, am I the only one that thinks the actual product really does not so it justice? Congrats on picking this up (thumbs u

that's not a variant

Sorry, it means that auction items on comiclink are bid up to one increment before the reserve by "interested parties" cough shills cough. This is done with the hope that slightly, or not so slightly larger reserve prices might get tripped by people thinking that the action on an item is legit. That's what i get for posting quick at work.

There were a few OA pieces that looked like they were in the 'bid drop of doom' tactic. Though I don't think anyone hit the magic bid.

How can this, the best of threads, languish for months? C'mon I know some of you bought TC and Savannah's so lets see 'em. The TC DD's were too pricey for me, but being born in Winterpeg, these will always have a place in my collection.

Bob rocks, for the AA 30 cent variant, priced fairly, graded accurate and all the rest. Thanks again, now if I could only find the other 30 center. Thanks Bob (thumbs u

Sam Rocks, another pretty 15 cent ASM book, accurate grade, shipped well.

I'm sure more TCs will roll in this thread. While I sat on the sidelines for that Pedigree War I did manage to nab a few books.

Thor 168 and 171, great books, nice packing; another awesome board transaction. Thanks Sam (thumbs u

I haven't bought anything off Stuart in a little while, but he is one of the best sellers out there - Damn man find some books I need so I can give you my money Consistently one of the best sellers over the past 5-6 years I have made purchases. (thumbs u Jason

** Starting to sell books again so here is your venue to express the good the bad and the ugly.**