MCJ

Hello, I have not posted on these boards in awhile, but I wanted to take a moment to appreciate that when the latest Clink auction ends, my favorite comic book will have a new owner. It's the one on the right. While it's the same grade and white page quality as the Twin Cities Pedigree, and neither one has been pressed, this particular copy is (slightly) brighter. I will miss it. I tried to acquire one of the 9.4 copies of JIM 85 last year, too, but came up short. For now, all I can afford to pay is attention The work that you have done over years (even decades) to maintain and grow your comic collections astounds me, and while it's probably not said often enough, I hope you keep up the great work for future collectors and admirers. Michael

Me too, Bill! Also my favorite Kirby cover from the JIM run...#112 & #89 being 2nd & 3rd...

While owning original Kirby art is above my means for the foreseeable future, I did manage to acquire the splash page and page 2 of the production art transparencies used in the production of the Marvel Masterworks (the original art was no longer in Marvel's possession by that time). I've had them archivally framed with two complete issues of Journey Into Mystery #108, along with my CGC graded copy. Turned out well, I think: Took me months to save up to have this framed. Custom framing is expensive! Though Baas Framing Studio in Seattle did a nice job.

The 9.4 copy of JIM #108 just went for only $1314.50 (!) (This was for the white pages copy signed by Kirby on the splash page). The 9.4 copy of #102 for $956... Certainly some bargains to be had in this Heritage auction today. Those are both well bought.

With all of the enthusiasm over the Edward Sarley ASM's going up for auction, there are some nice Journey Into Mystery issues that I wish I could afford. My favorite Kirby cover with an interior Kirby signature (!) and white page quality: Journey Into Mystery #108 white PQ, Kirby sig. That would look nice framed, next to the production art I have. Ah well, my 9.0 copy will have to do. No telling where this would end up on the final day, but I'd wager north of $1600... Then I start looking at the other 9.4s and 9.6s. Gorgeous! Maybe the Sarley books will suck up all the oxygen (and cash) in the auction and leave some relative (and uncharacteristic) bargains in their wake. Probably not. I'll envy the new owners, certainly.

Here are some photos of my best copies of Journey Into Mystery #85: First, the COA that comes with the Twin Cities books: Side by side (front): Side by side (back): It's hard to choose which one I like best. Sophie's Choice... Spine detail, TC: Spine detail, non pedigree: Both have white page quality I do enjoy owning a Twin Cities book. I feel an emotional connection to knowing something of the story of the original owner. Two things you can tell: I'm sentimental, and a mediocre photographer...

Ah, I see that Tsimanga's former copy was #0764441002, yours is #1032311002--I just noticed the last 4 digits the first time, my bad. That makes 3 of the 9.4 copies accounted for (the other one sold on pristinecomics' website...) looking closer, this one lacks the production crease that Tsimanga's has. In any case, I'm jealous

You're the one who outbid me, eh? Just curious, Roy, how much higher would you have gone on the 9.4? PM me Mental note: Now I really don't feel sorry for Roy Michael

Paired with the 9.0 copy of JIM #83, that makes for a formidable duo. I haven't seen many high grade sales of JIM #83 this year, just a handful... The Twin Cities 8.5 white pages copy for $28,860 in May, and the 9.0 ow/w copy on ComicLink for $52,102...the most recent mid-grade sale was a 7.5 white pages copy last month for $12,750. Looking at those results, I need to diligently build a war chest for the future...

That's a keeper! OW/W page quality, even. Sigh. Mental note: Don't feel sorry for Roy.

I have to admit that you just made me gasp. A 9.0 copy of JIM 84?! People keeping score at home can tell you that the last time a copy in that condition changed hands publicly was on Heritage in 2002! Was it one of the old label copies, or did one of the CGC resubmissions get bumped up? Pictures, man! (Oh and btw, congratulations. I'm so jealous...) I think you should keep them together for awhile at least. The Journey Into Mystery College Fund...

You're killing me, here...Did you pick up some original art at SDCC? I hope the future buyers won't mind that inexplicable turkey scent...

Show them the 9.0 copy of JIM #83, Roy! Meanwhile, only a day left in the current Clink auction, and my copies of JIM #83 are still below my cost. Is there a sweating smiley, or a nail biter smiley? I know many of you are sick of hearing about Captain America, but did anyone else like the reference by the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving FTW) to the Cosmic Cube being from Odin's treasure vault? Who knew that a gag placement of a version of Cap's shield in Iron Man would become this interlaced through line for all of the subsequent films? I need to go watch Thor and Captain America again...

Congrats! I also finished my run this weekend with my pickup of the Annual in 8.0. Congrats to you both! Pat yourselves on the back.

I hope you'll also manage to pick up a nice copy of Startling Comics #49, too! That "Bender Prototype" cover by Alex Schomburg is so cool... ow 7.0 copy of Startling Comics #49 up for auction on Heritage Your copy of JIM 83 has to be among the best in grade. Pat yourself on the back for that one...