Meeley Man

If the art is not able to be seen publicly, how can you hope to "get anything out of them?" Especially when you don't know who the "them" is that has it?

For me it has more to do with resale. If nothing ever escapes the collection, then it's a black hole even if some of the art is displayed or discussed publicly Yep. Like Daren just said, the term was coined by pieces going in but never escaping. Once it enters the black hole it's gone forever from the market. If you can see the art publicly, then it is not "inescapable." I definitely disagree with this part. There are countless pieces of art on public display that can't be touched with any amount of money. Likewise, public offers are very effective at drawing out the unseen art. Unless we are talking about some kind of museum thing, then that isn't true. Everything and everyone has their price. It's just a matter of meeting it. You may not want to, considering it too much to pay. Or you might not be able to, if you are of more meager financial means. But if you offer then the "right" amount, they will cave. You just have to be willing to go to any financial length to make that happen. Most people don't. That is why the piece seem "inescapable."

For me it has more to do with resale. If nothing ever escapes the collection, then it's a black hole even if some of the art is displayed or discussed publicly Yep. Like Daren just said, the term was coined by pieces going in but never escaping. Once it enters the black hole it's gone forever from the market. If you can see it, there is always the possibility of "escape." When you can't see it; when it disappears from all radars and is never seen anywhere, then it is in a "black hole collection." A "black hole" cannot be penetrated and show what is on the other side. If you can see the art publicly, then it is not "inescapable." Tell that to the crew of the Narada. However, I would your use of that definition on the Black Hole Collectors I know that have shown plenty, parted with none, and whose bar bills are the size of my 401k. So far nothing else has worked. I never said getting them to part with something would not be a "Herculean effort" (i.e. paying 4 or 5 times FMV, for example). But as long as you can actually SEE the piece, the possibility exists, no matter how remote. If you can't see it, well, what do you really have there?

For me it has more to do with resale. If nothing ever escapes the collection, then it's a black hole even if some of the art is displayed or discussed publicly Yep. Like Daren just said, the term was coined by pieces going in but never escaping. Once it enters the black hole it's gone forever from the market. If you can see it, there is always the possibility of "escape." When you can't see it; when it disappears from all radars and is never seen anywhere, then it is in a "black hole collection." A "black hole" cannot be penetrated and show what is on the other side. If you can see the art publicly, then it is not "inescapable."

If you show your art publicly, then you are not a "black hole collector." It's that simple.

You really should check out what I have for sale from MY artists. They may not be Jim Lee or Todd McFarlane, but you'll get a good deal on some nice 90's stuff, without having to refinance your house to pay for it. http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

Your wish has been granted, grasshopper. Head on over and check it out. http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

Thanks for the compliment and taking note of that. Good to see someone around here appreciate the efforts I make on that. +1 on James. He's the only seller I follow on social media, because he has stuff from that early 90's era, his prices are reasonable, and he's lightning fast with communication. Now if only terry would send you some more stuff... Patience, grasshopper, patience.... I know things, that you have yet to learn (i.e. there is some stuff on the way soon ).

Thanks for the compliment and taking note of that. Good to see someone around here appreciate the efforts I make on that.

All published pages from $50-75 a piece: http://www.comicartfans.com/galleryroom.asp?gsub=167848

All published pages for $20-25 a piece: http://www.comicartfans.com/galleryroom.asp?gsub=175821

Everything I have listed for sale has the price for it posted (and I'm also willing to accept haggling on most of those prices, too): http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

Published piece for $75.00 : http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1293092 Unpublished piece for $75.00 : http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1236981 And there's lots more stuff for under $100.00 you can see here: http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

There's also Sequential Treasures: Comic Art Sales, who exclusively represent for artists Richard Moore, Bill Maus, Mike Harris, Bob Smith, Terry Shoemaker, Gerry Acerno and Mike Vosburg. All artists with very diverse styles, art from the Copper Age to the present, so there is a little something for everyone. The service is top-shelf, as well. Everyone should give us a looksee!

Just updated a new piece to my personal comic art collection. It's a pretty cool one, I think. Lot of emotional melodrama on this piece. But, what else could you expect from the typewriter of Chuck Dixon? Enjoy! http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1327384

Just added a new piece to my personal comic art collection. I'd go into more details about it, but it was bought purely for fun. But go on and check it out anyway. Who knows, you might get some fun out it, too. http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1321528

If I was looking to get what I thought was the ultimate Joker cover, I'd have to go with Batman #451. This image by Breyfogle is the epitome of what the Joker is all about, IMO.

Pricing psychology. I'm not a money guy so maybe someone else can chime in if there is a specific name of the pricing strategy. Expensive = good. Apparently a couple years ago Kanye West was selling plain white t-shirts for $120 and they sold out quickly. I think what you are talking about is manipulation of perceived value of an item, but the one making it. That if they make it highly priced, it will be seen as more valuable and desirable, based solely on such a commanding asking price. Yeah, that has been known to work, but usually only in the short term. Because, inevitably, you will get someone who wants one, not out of love or desire for the item, but to see a profit from reselling it ever higher. But once that speculation dreams are dashed and word get out these items are worthy anywhere near the asking price, the demand quickly drops away by all, save the most ardent die-hards. In short, it is a strategy that might get you some money in the short term, but will hurt you in the long one. I wouldn't suggest using it in any valid business model.

Oh, how I WISH that were true.

For those who feel the same way described above, you can always stop by my art gallery and buy some lovely original comic art for much more reasonable prices. And we are even open to negotiations (on most things). http://www.comicartshop.com/ComicArtShopsByCat.asp?GCat=3287

There's also Sequential Treasures: Comic Art Sales, who exclusively represent for artists Richard Moore, Mike Harris, Bill Maus, Gerry Acerno and Mike Vosburg. All artists with very diverse styles, so there is a little something for everyone. Lots of great stuff from the Copper Age 'til today, with art from Marvel, DC, Valiant, Dark Horse and other publishers. The service is top-shelf, as well. Everyone should give them a looksee!

I recently asked him a question on that piece, too. Here's the response: New message from: fosworld (4,649Red Star) Thank you for the heads up I will have it checked. Your previous message Why are you offering this as an original piece, when it is so obviously a recreation?

Just added a new page of comic art to my personal collection. This one is a bit bittersweet, though. In part, as it is in tribute to the late and great Paul Ryan, whom we lost just last month. Give it a glance. Godspeed, Mr. Ryan! http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=1307004&GSub=170550

Reported it.