JoeBrrr

I’m currently trying to track down a Spider-Man sketch blank cover for a commission and the artist prefers cardstock not the glossy kind of standard comic cover. 
 

He mentioned Harley Quinn: Gossamer as being a really good blank he’s worked with before. I was going to just let him do his thing on his preferred cover since he’s painting over everything - but I realized that there are ASM 1 (Cindy moon APP), as well as 129, 238 and UF4 facsimile blanks. 
 

A) does anyone know what the paper quality is like on these?

B) Will the blank being a “key” reprinted at all be worth it - this will be a spider-man themed celebrity signed book and ultimately will likely be a 1 of 1 and something I don’t plan on moving. 
 

Any advice on any of the above would be appreciated. (Also I just don’t know how to feel about facsimile’s to begin with - I’m guessing these blanks are for swipes?)

I’m mainly wondering about the VHS world as I’m looking to get some stuff signed by the cast of scream but figured there may be ppl on this board who know based on video games.  
 

As I’ve learned sealed copies are the premium variety for collectibles of this type but if you are getting it signed - isn’t it less desirable to have the wrap signers and not the actual game cover or disc/vhs. I’m just confused as to how to approach this - it seems many get paint pens for signed sealed then graded items?

The process used to verify sigs without a witness is pretty interesting. I personally trust some brands when it comes to sports but in terms of comics I really either need a direct from artists booth/store or yellow label witness. 
 

article on the authentication process for PSA and others that is interesting. https://www.cardboardconnection.com/autograph-authentication-sports/amp

There are companies that will authenticate signatures - whom I trust coming from the sports collectible world. Generally you can figure out the reputable ones - I don’t want to promote competitors to CGC. 

On 1/21/2023 at 9:47 PM, fastballspecial said:

This thread it explains it all.  I am still shocked by it all and it made a grading company look very very bad.
 

 

Well I’m speechless…. Wasn’t active in the hobby at the time just heard about it from friends.  Wow. I hope those are nearly worthless now 

On 1/21/2023 at 9:39 PM, fastballspecial said:

After the UF4 Crain fiasco I have no confidence whatsoever in a 10.0. That grade can be bought.

 

Hmm I am not up to date on that - care to explain ? I know there was the C2E2 book that was not authorized - were they made extra grade friendly in the process of adding ?

Just curious as I know if there is an in house signing you can send in yellow label books to have a signature added - with the option for CCS pressing before grading. Is it possible to send in a slabbed signature series book for pressing service - and a re-grade?

Anyone have info on this copy? Can’t find any graded really seem to come in poly bags. 
 

I just don’t get why the Larry’s comic variant is so undervalued given it has nearly the same cover and a definite more limited print run. I know 1A is the king for many reasons - and then the later sky bound variants are printed much later but seems like it may be undervalued. 
 

Is it due to it being published months after the original release ?

The Jack White variant is the only of these recent music hype trend that I can get behind. 
 

also I saw a 10.0 of the Eminem cover - can anyone confirm whether these are easier grades than your average book? I doubt that’s the last 10 we see. 

Got this either from a mystery pack or some whatnot raffle I don’t love that it’s just signed by Scott Hanna I’d rather it be blue label or signed by Artgerm/wells and interior artist. Still got it for a steal and one of my fav recent covers of his. 

Can’t quite see the scratch how bad is it? Also if sent into CGC for re-holder does it get regraded? (Newbie here)

also has the UF4 been pressed ? Any grader notes?

Can’t seem to find any info on the event via CGC so I’m assuming no official presence? Are any facilitators or witnesses (I’m new to this not sure if it’s the same thing) planning on attending ?

On 1/14/2023 at 9:50 PM, DELTA 62 said:

Man talk about clean signatures and placement. Beauty. 

On 1/14/2023 at 1:54 PM, Jesse-Lee said:

I've been collecting the run for awhile, so I guess it depends on what "worth getting" means to you - if you just want to read it and have the run, then I'd say it's worth getting, but probably not chasing the 2nd print 1:25 unless you really like collecting variants like that. If you want a compromise, the actual 1st cover of Failsafe was on a 1st print, something like "cover g" [Edit - I guess it's "Cover M"] or something along those lines (so many covers!). It popped for a bit right when it came out, but you can get it for $8 now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/195353772712

If you mean worth getting from a spec standpoint, I don't know. It's a modern DC "key" first appearance - even if it is in Batman, they're almost never worth getting if you have to pay secondary for them. Even Punchline settled back to lower prices from some bigger highs at this point.

 

 

I went for a cheaper VF+/NM- set since I just want to read the series and get caught up. I actually like the Alec Ross variant of 125 a lot so I’ll likely get that in a slab anyways. Thanks for the input though!

I’m trying to get caught up on the Zdarsky run of Batman so tracking down singles or lots. Realized the second print of Batman 125 with Failsafe on it is doing well. 
 

without spoiling anything for me is this a 1st app. worth getting?

On 1/13/2023 at 4:32 PM, Dr. Balls said:

I’ve picked a few that got 9.8s from my LCS that actually came out of the longboxes. I don’t buy a lot of moderns, but I definitely look to see if it’s a NM+

Since I’ve come back to the hobby I’ve found almost no stores bag and board anything other than wall books and variants - I totally get it from the store pov with the rising costs supply chain issues and shortages of some products. 

On 1/13/2023 at 5:47 PM, newshane said:

Yes, you can read a book carefully and it can come back NM plus or higher. 

Based on what I've seen, at least at my local comic shops, you'll never find anything above a 9.4 if it's sitting on the shelf. 

The best thing to do is order them online from a service. I got 9.8s all day doing it that way. 

Just order a few copies and use one as a reader and keep one to submit. You can always stack the readers and sell them to recoup the cost. 

It might be a good idea to try TPB or digital, as you mentioned in your post. 

I usually go TOB but for example I can’t wait till April/July to read zdarsky’s Batman run. 
 

I’ve tried ordering online via TFAW and midtown and got far worse than my LCS who no longer bag and board as it’s cost prohibitive. Any ideas on sites to use?

I’ve had good luck with pre orders of exclusive variants where they guarentee 9.2/9.4 or better but at that point I usually pay the extra $30-40 for them to slab it guaranteed 9.8 the waiting time has been fresh though. 

hopefully I’m not alone here in this but with all the flipping/variants/“key” chasing going on at my LCS - I’m starting to feel like an old man compared to other customers. 
 

So I love going to NCBD to pick up new titles - I’m not the best with what indies or big 2 specs are on the way but often I find myself having a book that’s heating up that I’ve read. 
 

I always choose the best copy at least by my eye test - and I read once quite carefully w/ condition in kind - then bag and board.

I know there’s not a definitive answer but in your opinion can a book still get 9.8/9.6 despite being read if it looked like that coming off the shelf. I would go back to my younger days of buying 2 copies one to read and one to sleeve but it’s too expensive these days. 
 

thoughts - or does everyone read trades and digital copies these days and avoid the pain of realizing the random book I read is now a “hot 10” first app. sold out everywhere.  

On 1/13/2023 at 4:11 AM, ivdyer said:

Ash is a personal friend and can be found on instagram @fineartbyash.  Depends on workload but most of these were done over a week period.  I have seen him turnover masterful works in under 24hrs and sometimes it takes a few weeks.  

Awesome will follow and reach out. Does he have an artist account and he submits to cgc or did you have to get a witness to pick up?

On 1/12/2023 at 9:57 AM, FAKadar said:

My Wednesday sketch cover commission came back from CGC with a 9.8! I'm really proud of this one. It's one of my recent favorites. This is off to my client. 💀

Wow how long did that piece take you - it’s amazing !! Are you open to commissions rn?

There’s tons of companies who authenticate signatures to a certain good % rate of success - I almost never by non-authenticated signed memorabilia without a verifiable COA from one of the reputable companies. I know some are competitors with CGC so I won’t post their names. But look up authenticated signed sports jerseys and see what companies you see a lot. Or you could PM. But if ever in doubt I wouldn’t risk it for a sig 

On 1/6/2023 at 1:58 PM, ivdyer said:

I have two large Ash oil paintings that I am going to get signed along with a mask.  I am probably going to get this book signed from some time ago that he competed for me on back…….the others will be in the Hugh Jackman shrine. 

 

Beautiful - what was the overall turn around time on these and how did you get in touch. 

Just picked up the first 3 issues as well as a one pet store variant at cover price. 
 

Definitely think this one has potential really like the story. Anyone else reading this title - I think the Cover A has a good design and Adlards art also captures some Walking Dead fans just to take a look.