Saint_Doyle

The differences between Michael's and Hobby Lobby may be a completely localized thing. I have found prices pretty comparable between the two, as long as you hit a 1/2 price sale (which they both have every other week). My local Hobby Lobby was employed by a continual string of and half-wits, so I was relieved to find competent people, equivalent prices and overall superior service at the Michael's across town. It sealed the deal when I learned about the strong ties between Hobby Lobby and a certain political party which I am not in favor of.

I've never heard of putting your art in a mylar inside the frame... I would think that might negate the effects of buying the super-clear museum glass. I get my art framed at Michael's. They offer a "preservation package" for about $25 where they mount the artwork to the interior of the mat by special holders that stick to the mat, not your artwork. It's hard to explain without a picture (which I can't seem to find an example of online), but it's supposed to be much better for the art than using tape. They also seal up the back of the frame with paper. Hobby Lobby doesn't offer any of these services that I'm aware of. On top of that, you have to specify that you want acid-free mats and backers with them. Then you have to special order it (because they don't keep the "fancy" stuff that should be standard stuff in stock) and wait for 2-3 weeks.

I recently got my coup de gras, the cover artwork to Madman Adventures #1 by Mike Allred, re-matted. I had originally gone to Hobby Lobby, and picked out what I thought was the best mat available given their options. After bringing it home I immediately noticed the contrast between the original gleaming white mat and the cream color of the aged artwork. I let this bug me for a few years before deciding it was worth the extra $$$ to get it done properly. This time I went to Michaels and am much, much happier with the result. Presentation is everything. Side by side comparison of original mat vs. new mat Here's a bigger view of the final result I have to give kudos to everyone who has posted pics in this thread, which has really inspired me more than anything else to experiment with mats and frames. There are some really great looking pieces presented incredibly well in this thread.

This is not a direct quote, but I was at a convention in Tulsa, OK in the mid 90s and overheard McFarlane say something like "I didn't know how Spawn #1 is ever going to be worth anything. I still have a warehouse full of them." So, the number sold and the number printed may not be the same... That could also mean that somewhere there is still a warehouse full of 9.8s.

Speak of the devil... Look what popped up on eBay today (this time with a picture): Overpriced computer paper Its almost like he's printing them himself or something.

Honestly I can't prove that this xerox wasn't purchased from the Pacific office, and it does have the target centering marks to imply that it is some sort of production stat. The description is vague enough that I don't feel like the seller actually broke any rules. I knew it was a long shot, and $16 isn't a big enough deal to raise a stink over. However, he did charge me $6 for an item that cost $3 to ship (in an envelope that my mailman folded into my mailbox), so he got appropriate feedback where I felt I cold justifiably give it. Luckily, the "artwork" wasn't creased. And to the seller's credit, he did write "DO NOT BEND" on it. I guess my mailman can't read. But seriously, always use a condom and always ship in a box.

So I don't know if any of you guys have fallen for this one or not, but I picked up this eBay auction for ALIEN WORLDS # 4 DAVE STEVENS PRODUCTION COVER 1983. There was no picture and the the description only said: "alien worlds # 4 production cover art stat from 1983. purchased directly from pacific comics publisher. dave stevens cover and art. any questions email!!!" I figured it was worth gambling $16 on it (after shipping). I was hoping maybe I would get a large printed production stat worthy of hanging on my wall. Unfortunately, reality is that this "production stat" is nothing more than a b&w xeroxed copy on a mis-cut piece of computer paper. Bye-bye, $16!!! It looks like this: The seller, elmako87, has a few of these in his seller history. I wouldn't recommend buying one, unless you need a particularly pricey piece of computer paper. You can right click on that image, send it to your printer, and save yourself $16.

Cerebus #1 book inside a Mylites2: It is mentioned in the first post that Super Golden Age sized MyLites2s can be used with oversized indy books, such as the troublesome Cerebus #1. Thought you guys might want some visual reference for this: Cerebus #1 in Mylites2 (Super Gold) 825M2 I'm just doing what I can to contribute to this amazing thread. Thanks to board member telerites for providing the MyLite2.

Shark sold me a few random issues on a local pick-up deal. He was on time (is that the equivalent to "he packaged them nicely" on a local pick up?), the comic conditions were exactly as described, and he's a nice guy to top it off. +1 Kudos