mysterio

I’d settle for a line of statues or more toys.

Yet you root for Groot and flip for the Blip...

So how is the model different? Please elaborate.

I’ve wanted to get that one too. Eventually it’ll get added to the collection. There’s room on my little monster shelf with the FFF build a figure, FFF Bowen bust, and a Groot Funko.

I think it says something that FFF got his own toy! If you don’t have one this build a figure is a must for any pre-hero fan.

FFF is fun to say and an all time great monster name. It’s rightfully #1 in pre-hero recognition and stature.

Those are all excellent choices. ST #95 is the first pre-hero in my family (my brother bought one back in the late 80’s as we were becoming serious collectors). TOS #9 was either my first slabbed pre-hero or one of the first handful, I got it at a Chicago Comicon back in the day. I’ve never owned either TTA #13 or 15, mainly because I’ve never run across a keeper at a price I was willing to pay. That bit me with the #13, as I saw plenty back in the 90’s but never picked up a placeholder. Obviously that was a mistake in hindsight!

Next one will be in February, I hope we’ll be there!

First show in Chicago, like fourth overall. Run by the Shamus brothers after they departed Wizard. Similar model.

Picked this up this weekend:

That’s fair. The price of #13 has everything to do with GOTG, as does the current love of Groot outside of the regular PHM collector base. I think of Fin Fang Foom as the all-time #1 (who wouldn’t?), followed by Xemnu/Hulk. Then all the others arranged by personal preference (Gargantus makes my list if only for the covers).

To me #13 is a relative newcomer because of GOTG. Five years ago nobody cared about Groot any more than they did Goom or Grottu. I still don’t, really, and don’t consider it an A lister in my book. To me their prototypes by Ditko is enough. YMMV.

I’d agree, maybe #97 would be in the conversation as well.

Found this today for a good price. Rough but complete (aside from the obvious).

I do, and I’d guess at least 3-4 other guys regularly reading/posting in this thread do too.

The #50 isn’t particularly difficult, you paid about the going rate. The second print of #51 is more difficult but I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say rare.

Yep, like @TheWatcher says, he upcharges pretty heavily to sign those keys. I’d do a little research before you drop $200 on the VIP and then find out you have to pay an upcharge. Found this on Liefeld’s page:

Prepare to pay fairly hefty signing fees, probably close to $175-200 for the pair. I think he has those amounts listed on his website.

Threw out one semi serious bid last night and got outbid, which is just fine.

Regularly checking this thread is going to lead to significant wallet damage, I can tell.

#316 is second cover.

Personally, I go to shows to buy books. I’ve never been to a single panel in well over 25 years of collecting. It’s just not my thing, though I can see why people would enjoy them. I do like interacting with other collectors on the show floor or at dinner, but I don’t need the outsized hassle and a $900/night hotel room for that. As others have said, SDCC used to be a bucket list item, but not anymore with what it’s become.

There will be plenty of dealers, if you’re looking for books it’s well worth a trip. I haven’t checked the guest list (mostly because I’m missing this year ) but it’s usually pretty solid. No more onsite grading for the foreseeable future, but CGC will be there witnessing and accepting subs.

@Bighaley21, if this year is like years past you’ll run out of money long before you run out of books to buy.