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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    Struggling

    By Tnerb,

    Or Who needs these comic books anyway?
    Life is only easy when you look back. The days ahead are always dark, dreary, and fearful. In my case the feeling of report card day following a weekend. I try to be optimistic and hopeful in everything I do. My vacation is over and Hawaii was something to behold, but now reality has set in and I wonder do I have what it takes?
    With the Baltimore Comic Con fast approaching and I have already laid claim to a hotel room, I might have to drop a day and show up on Saturday rather than showing up on Friday as originally planned. And now I find out Sal Buscema will be attending (thank you BagoFleas). This will give me the opportunity to get some more New Mutants signed, especially issue 15, both my 9.8 and my 4.5.
    Now, this is the part I stress. Money. I don't have enough of it, so what do I give up to have this other Living Legend sign these books that I love. What would you give up? Would you trade? Would you Barter? And what happens if I can't find someone to cover me and my new job, do I dare throw everything to the wind and just quit. Do I go back to the old job and wait on tables again?
    I reached my goal of four hundred graded books, I reached my goal of getting over 30,000 points, and I reached my goal of being second in the New Mutants set. Ok, that last one was a lie.
    Fortunately as long as I have coverage and I can go to the Baltimore Comic Con, I can then save up like crazy for both the Florida MegaCon and the ECCC and I can always quit collecting comic book, or if I get fired I can always go back to waiting tables.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb.
    Random Hawaii photo below (my first sunset)

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  2. Tnerb

    In Baltimore with Fleas

    By Tnerb,

    Or do I need to worry?
    What can I add that Bagofleas did not? The tenacity we used in getting our books signed and turned over to CGC only worked because of our patience and the staff of CGC themselves helping us get it done. I fear what the NYCC has in store for me. I went last year and only had three items signed and it was hectic.
    The two days of lines cut into anytime to look for those missing issues I was hoping to add. Of course the money I saved there only went to CCS and CGC themselves. At the end of the day I turned in over twenty books, 23 total if I am not mistaken. Without Bagofleas this never would have happened.
    The NYCC will be do much harder. I am only doing one book for personal gain, about ten for Bagofleas, and then for the first time books specifically to flip. Of course those would be mostly by Hickman. I hope to make a bit of a cash return but only to pay back what I already paid out, and them the question will be, can I flip those books.
    They all seem easily to be a 9.6, but who wants a modern 9.6, signature series or not. I know for me to sell them ill need them to be a 9.8. So do I have them pressed to get out any minor imperfections that I cannot see? And does a disclosed pressed book decrease the value? Either way, Baltimore was a great experience with friends but with NYCC I feel I am on the precipice of a giant maw.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  3. Tnerb

    My Younger Brother

    By Tnerb,

    Or My Father Doesn't Know
    After ranting about how I hate wristbands at Wizard World, the BCC had to go and issue them. We're they there last year and I didn't notice since I was admitted as press? The VIP's were issued a badge and a lanyard and I almost thought of upgrading just for that. But anyway, this isn't about wrist bands, this is about meeting Bagofleas, but trust me I will write more about the con.
    For almost two full days the both of us ran around with various CGC witnesses. Mile, Molly(Pants), and Andrew, who wasn't Andrew, and Joe joined us or met us at various locations. For instance, I stood in line waiting for David Finch and text Bagofleas, since he was filling out forms at CGC when I was almost next in line, and he sent over a witness. We were both in line when he text Joe to come over for both Louise and Walt Simonson, of which we had to have them sign separately. Walt was just over battling a bout of something and fought to stay well to greet his fans. I chanced the sickness and shook both their hands in thanks.
    Joe Rubinstein, Jim Starlin, Bob McLeod, Tom Defalco, Ron Frenz, and the reason we gutted and cracked many of out New Mutants' 9.8 comic books, Sal Buscema. I know I am forgetting others. I had a little over twenty books signed, the majority from my favorite set. I watched Bagofleas almost loose his calm. The sheer volume of what he accomplished was a harrowing task and nothing like the ease he had with his past con experience. At the end of the con he handled some books to me to get signed in NY. I plan on going Saturday and Sunday for one or two books for myself. I'll get to that later.
    I have to say, meeting RonnyLama and Lee K in ECCC was great. Meeting Shivabali was an added bonus. The Boardie dinner was spectacular. At Wizard World in Philadelphia I joined others for dinner as well, which was the highlight of a dismal show. In Baltimore meeting Bagofleas was altogether different, because it wasn't like meeting a friend, it was like meeting a brother.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. When I first joined the registry there were a few I chatted with that captured my attention. A few disappeared but a handful I promised myself I would meet. RonnyLama was first, followed quickly by Lee K., and now Bagofleas, the last on my first list I hope to meet is Surfer99 and I hope we can all get together one day. Since then there are a few others I do hope to meet one day. Also a journal entry for a later date.

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  4. Tnerb

    Itching with Fleas

    By Tnerb,

    Or the Day before Baltimore
    Although Bagofleas had a much longer drive, mine was filled with pitfalls, delays, and time in a dealership. An early start became a late finish all because of a tire blowout on Interstate 95. Arriving in Baltimore by six allowed us to meet up for dinner at seven. My friend who came with me tolerated the two of us enjoying a rapid fire conversation about anything comic related and we exchanged gifts before our meal was even ordered.
    As for what I got him I'll let him tell you, if he desires, but what he got me is without measure. The comic itself is from his youth and he sent it to CGC for grading. I never knew his father, he passed away before I met Bagofleas , but if I could tell him one thing about his son is what a great job he did raising him.
    Suffice to say meeting this man after all this time from the registry was like meeting my younger brother. I did purchase a book from him(journal to follow), but what he gave me is absolutely priceless. The copy of What If? passed over to me was purchased by his father and him both.
    I'm writing this with the book next to me after violently trying to find my camera, which I am hoping I left at home. It's time for bet and I can't wait until tomorrow while counting my blessings. I know I might not be blessed with a lot of things, but suffice to say I am blessed with great friends...and a brother who I only just met.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  5. Tnerb
    The Lanyard Derivative
    The first major comic book convention I attended occurred between two life changes. In 1992 I became a father and a little bit later in 1994, after an accident, Doctor's claimed I should be dead. In 1993 however Comic Fest was hosted by Philadelphia.
    The three things I can remember most was the naïve thought I could sit on the cold concrete floor and sell a few comic books, the souvenir cup I bought which I still might have, and a requested day off of work for this four day extravaganza, on which the last day I was apparently scheduled. When I came in the next day, I no longer had a job.
    After a bout with my unstable income, my early midlife destruction, and a little before my comic book purge I thrusted myself back into the comic book world. I bought a single day pass for Wizard World in 2007 and attended on a Sunday. I was given a goody bag, which in 2013 was called a "Swag" bag. I remember the sac from 2007 had a hefty weight to it but, what was in it is a different story, especially since I can't remember.
    For single day ticket holders and four day pass attendees this year, the only decent giveaway was a Walking Dead Variant book that people were buying as you walked in the door. On Saturday they couldn't wait and exited the convention floor perusing the line to ask for the book waving a five dollar bill in trade. The other two items was an eight page Wizard World pamphlet with locations of artists and writers along with the panels and locations for those talks. The second booklet was more or less an advertisement for some eighties movie showings. Then there was some postcard size advertisement inside but, nothing else.
    This past June, Wizard World once again secured admission by wrapping your wrist with a gaudy bracelet. If a four day pass was purchased, a plastic wrist band was given and for daily admission a paper band. In 2011 I was in a pool league and reported on Wizard World for Comicbooked.com. I had to mention this thoroughly to the convention volunteers that I couldn't play in my match with the encumbered material due to a rules regulation. After explaining thoroughly and emphatically they tossed me a handful of press badges, one for each day.
    So why did Wizard World switch from badges to wristbands? What made them think it was a good idea? And if it is such a good idea, why haven't the other convention circuits followed suit?
    After I inquired to someone other than a volunteer, it was explained that it cut down on people passing the badges off from day to day, or even the same day. Unfortunately most badge passing is between dealers and their better customers, but they got wrist bands too. I knew I wouldn't switch especially since I don't have the safety net of standing behind a booth and claiming I work there. I can understand a convention being conservative in its hope to increase attendance, but a wrist band is not one of them. its just a thought, but maybe have comic book companies there.
    ECCC sold out everyday in 2013, or at least that's what I remember hearing over the PA system. I inquired to the powers that be, but was told they couldn't answer. I would brag if a convention I ran sold out so I wonder, was it better to hide the attendance rather than blurt it out. The comic book convention in Seattle also had lanyards with their badges for all regular attendees. We could wear or take them off when we wanted too. It wasn't some plastic wristband someone could mistake us being in the hospital. Not to mention with a badge around our neck, we might continue to display our affections for the hobby after the convention floor closes for the day and we might get more questions of what is the badge for rather than "what happened?"
    NYCC so far had the best admittance passes, a hard plastic that could easily be accepted as a souvenir. I like to keep my badges and yes I even have my wristbands, but it doesn't have the same affect on my display shelf. Comic book conventions are not only suppose to have comic books, creators, publishing companies, but also have the ability to show off the main excuse you went for, comic books.
    During Wizard World Philadelphia 2012 my Stan Lee VIP ticket had a solid plastic pass and lanyard, at a price. Of course it came with a wristband as well, but people could see I was at Wizard World to see "The Man". I like my souvenirs, I have many Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers ticket stubs. I have the same for movies, concerts, and special events. With today's society of e-tickets, why wouldn't I want a badge and lanyard to hold onto and not just to prove I was there, but to show that I am proud to be there.
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Wizard World also had lanyards but they were generic and you had to pay for them, not including VIP passes.

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  6. Tnerb

    A Backfire Fired

    By Tnerb,

    Or Beginning Again through Old Means
    The new job wasn't suppose to be that way. It was set up to be successful. Every eventuality was planned for, even the possible outcome of failure. The only variable that wasn't taken into account was me leaving.
    I wanted to get away from serving. Living off tips is a difficult thing to do. Yet I succeeded, I paid my bills regularly, was able to afford trips, both mini and weekly, and I was also able to grade or purchase graded CGC comic books. There were a few reasons I decided to leave, none of which I'll mention here.
    I'm all set to go back to the old job but with minor variations. And I'll most likely write about that later. I'm not officially hired, but I am picking up a few hours which will help with spending money towards the Baltimore Comic Con. Not to mention the NYCC has announced that the three people responsible for one of my favorite annuals will be there. My hesitancy to crack the 9.8 I own has thoroughly been discarded.
    My goal for the year was to attend four major comic book conventions and if I succeed could spell disaster because then next year I would want to attend five. I already have plans to attend both the Mega-Con in Florida and ECCC in Seattle. I better start budgeting nefariously to do everything I want to do. I have about eighteen books to get signed and graded this weekend, and I'm looking to add two more just for grading. I knew I should have borrowed my parents credit card before they went on vacation.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  7. Tnerb
    or The New Mutants Rock
    I met Bagofleas through the registry by complementing him on his New Mutants set. At that time I had only just started where as he had at least 50 percent of the set finished. I was amazed and hoped that one day I would have a set just as nice as his. Eventually I found a few of the series signed by Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Claremont, or both. My first few were purchased of eBay From Rich Henn. Since then he went out and searched for me. There were others I found too, like Keegan from Comics to Astonish and other random eBayers which helped me continue to not only complete my New Mutants set, but have them signed.
    Eventually I began to go to conventions myself. Keegan helped me by telling me how to crack a slab. He talked me through it and as nervous as I was, it was easy. The five I cracked tonight is a testament to that fact, although I am still nervous. In the final day Bagofleas took over the number one spot, and I fear will never have to look back. We both placed a bid on the gem mint New Mutants 98. We both lost, but we both tried. I still admire Bagofleas collection, but now I do believe I have a collection worthy to rival what he owns.
    This weekend we have the Baltimore Comic Con approaching. Bagofleas definitely cracked a lot more slabs than I. I cracked a few more than I was going to but decided Sal Buscema was worth it and Louise Simonson, and Tom Defalco, along with Bob McLeod. I may always be following Bagofleas but as before when I followed and past him, he was just an acquaintance, now going to the convention...I am going with a friend.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. Is anyone else going to the Baltimore show?

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  8. Tnerb
    Or Why Collect?
    There are days, unlike this one, I wonder why I collect? What is it about these four color books that hold my attention with a measly 22 pages? Is it the artwork of scantily clad super heroines? Is it the -script that leaves me hanging, on the very last page, of the very last panel, with the very last word?
    Is it the possibility of the value, the hope I might have the next Amazing Spider-Man #1, Incredible Hulk #181, New Mutants #98, or more recently a high grade copy of Walking Dead #1; preferably signed by Robert Kirkman and graded by CGC? And let's face it, if I had those, would I even bother selling them? Aren't bragging rights so much better? Money can always be earned, but acquiring a Gem Mint New Mutants #98 is like nothing I could ever imagine, although I did try. Apparently I have not earned enough.
    The Baltimore Comic Con is approaching. I didn't apply for press this year since the new job was going to interfere, funny enough; in such a short span, the new job became the old job. I am now open to spend the weekend enjoying the full convention. A friend of mine will be joining me for this event. I have already warned her of my intentional and unintentional desire to geek out and what will be the icing on the cake is not only meeting and greeting Sal Buscema, but the legendary Bagofleas.
    It's people like him along with Ronnylama, Lee K, And Surfer99 that I communicate with on a regular basis that has me loving why I collect comicbooks. There are others like Koholo1256, Shivabali, and ThePastorofMuppets that I like to interact with, (the last on the list more so through Instagram). This is the reason today that I so love to collect comic books, graded or otherwise. What's your reason?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  9. Tnerb
    Or hoping they might change
    Wizard World is not a comic book convention, not anymore anyway. It's a pop culture event or in other words a media circus surrounding anything within geek culture. This includes wrestling, sci-fi, horror, and of course how Wizard even got started in the first place, comic books. A fact I think they have forgotten.
    I understand a company is meant to increase profits. Without an organization properly set up for this ability to achieve monetary gain, its purpose of continuing as a business would flounder and ultimately cease. In Wizard World's defense with the NYCC increasing in size along with the ECCC selling out, while the SDCC is too far out of their league, they had to do something.
    Bruce Campbell, the star of "Evil Dead" and "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr"; along with cameos in three Spider-Man movies appeared to a mass of fans in the midst of a comic book convention. The lines were the longest I remember seeing. Did Wizard World know they were failing? Did they see the end times as with their magazine? Did they hope replacing major comic book companies with super stars from television and movies would substitute for the emptiness that Marvel and DC would leave behind?
    Over time Wizard World seemed to be more concerned with getting as much per ticket rather then giving as much as they could per that ticket. I understand admission, I'm sure it costs a lot to put on one of these massive shows, especially one in Philadelphia. Having blockbuster movie stars, popular hit television show actors and actresses, and even long retired WWF wrestling personalities cost, but when a smaller convention ten miles away with many of the same comic book dealers set up a month later at three dollars to enter the premises...you do the math.
    Stan Lee is a Living Legend, to most comic collectors he is the be all end all person to meet. I was fortunate to meet him for the first time in 2012, an event I will never forget. Wizard World was charging about $225 for admittance to see the comic book deity, along with the entry to the convention itself, an additional meet and greet could be purchased. In 2013 the sum was a bit more. At the upcoming Ohio show, the Stan Lee Platinum package sold out for $500 a piece. For that amount of money I can attend the Philadelphia Comic Con for the next twenty years with a few Baltimore Comic Conventions sprinkled in for variety.
    I did have the opportunity to see Bob McLeod at the most recent Wizard World Philadelphia debacle and had a conversation with him. I wanted to go back, but to my understanding he left early. I feel the possibility of this was because of where he was placed in artist alley, which was more like artist street corner. He signed and chatted with fans across from a booth requiring an attendee to hit a bell by using a mallet to send a rubber stopper straight up to hit a bell. It didn't ring much, but every time the mallet struck, well I could imagine it could grow to be annoying.
    Wizard World had a few artists that I knew. Bob Layton, Greg Horn, and Totino Tedesco (to name a few of the few) of which the latter I only knew about as the artist from the latest variation of Walking Dead #1 were there. Many of the creators and contributors I have grown to love were not going to be in attendance.
    Baltimore will not only have Bob McLeod, Louise and Walt Simonson, Jim Starlin, Mark Bagley, Neal Adams, and so on and so on, but also a slew of dealers who want to sell comic books. Stan Lee was originally to attend but due to unavoidable circumstances mentioned on Baltimorecomiccon.com he is unable. But, just because I was bored, or maybe I wanted to make sure I did my homework, the Baltimore Comic Con has 157 guests, give or take a few. This does not include the 21 listed under the "kids love comic artists" section, or any additional late acknowledgements.
    The Hero initiative is hosting Ron Frenz, Joe Statin, and my life long dream to meet; greater than Stan Lee, the amazing Sal Buscema, a man only scheduled to be there on Saturday, a day I can't attend. The slight few I listed was more than Wizard World Philadelphia could brag about. I will admit the Wizard World Chicago guest list was a bit better especially with the likes of Chris Claremont and Alan Davis, but nothing like Baltimore has scheduled or that the ECCC had appear.
    Wizard World is all about hype, reminding me of a Monster Truck rally announcer. I correlate the experience with going to see a 3 ring flea circus, You paid the admission to see something, but there is nothing there. At one point of time I couldn't wait until the first day of Wizard World Philadelphia arrived. I waited in the heat, the rain, and on gorgeous days with the sole desire to immerse myself within the confines of the best comic book convention ever, and now Wizard World can not even boast they are a comic book convention at all.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  10. Tnerb
    Or Have I learned to expect more?
    A local con that I enjoy is the Philadelphia Comic Con. This is held multiple times throughout the year in Essington, right outside the city limits of Philadelphia. This small event is only three dollars to enter or two with a flyer, an admittance fee that cannot be disputed. Even though this small event is located in a "hall" of a local hotel, it normally occupies at least twenty dealers and they try to host at least one artist/author.
    One of the recent contributors I missed was Herb Trimpe, an amazing icon that Wizard World Philadelphia couldn't rave about on their guest list. Many of these same dealers can be seen at other major conventions along the lines of Baltimore, New York, and even Philadelphia. The difference between the three is the dealers seem happier at the first two.
    The New York Comic Con or NYCC as it is better known as showed me what a major Comic Book Con really is, either that or it's the equivalent of a teaser trailer for the SDCC. I feel the NYCC is a massively produced version of the Philadelphia Comic Con sprinkled with inkers, pencillers, writers, publishers, and a multitude of other individuals that placed together in the same room becomes a comic geeks version of paradise.
    I went to New York's event for signatures on some of my graded comic books. I chose to cross state lines for this because of the huge variety of different artists and writers attending this convention. Can you imagine that, a variety of comic book artists and creators sitting there waiting to greet you?
    I wanted my signature series collection to grow from the books I previously purchased through eBay or from alternate purveyors. This was mainly for my New Mutants, but I did throw in an Uncanny X-Men or two. It was also one of the first experiences and opportunities I had to crack the slabs hoping to go from a universal blue to a sought after yellow. Previous conventions I attended for the sole reason to buy comic books, not get signatures. I was never one to stand in line to meet and greet an artist until I started collecting CGC. There are a few exceptions, fifteen years ago Jeremy Bulloch was one of them.
    Wizard World's change between 2007 and 2012 was more than just their logo. In my eyes it lost its Comic Con Status and created a Pop Culture Event. In hindsight, not a very good thing.
    Two major things ascertain to this change. The first I contribute to the decline is the loss of Marvel and DC. How can any major convention call itself a Comic Book Convention without having these industry giants? Television shows like The Big Bang Theory and multi million budgeted movies based of the characters themselves have broadened a fan base from what was once a dirty little secret of geeks and nerds everywhere.
    Today people proudly display their Nerdom outside convention halls. Throngs of fans swarm outside in lines discussing their love of the hobby. Lines are the worst thing about conventions (and airports) because their is no escaping them. It's also the place where you hear the most complaints.
    I was invited as press and as press get no special privileges, at least that's what it said in the fine print. I am OK with that. In past years I was normally within the first five people waiting to get in. Wanting to write about it, I decided it was best if I could watch as the masses entered. However, where was I supposed to wait? I didn't know where to stand or even if I could enter. I stood in line with the VIP holders because after asking a few Wizard World personal where I was supposed to go, the universal reply was "I don't know, I'll find out for you"...and never return with an answer.
    At ECCC 2013 there were two entrances, both were large enough to admit the amount of fans attending. The single opening for Wizard World Philadelphia was smaller than the combined amount of singular doors in the previous hall the convention was located a year before. This created a long wait for those who came in to purchase single day tickets. A wait lasting at least thirty minutes long of watching others enter, which also could create an excuse of "why go" next year?
    Philadelphia's Convention Center was recently added too. A full city blocks business's were bought out, demolished, and rebuilt over. This allowed Wizard World to show off what they could produce in a brand new wing. The single massive room hosted the signing area, picture area, and sales area for the multiple dealers, dealers that will eventually stop attending as customers pay over a hundred dollars for a four day pass cutting into any funds for purchases. This doesn't include the VIP passes which went upward of five hundred dollars.
    Do the people running Wizard World feel that local residence will continue to pay the astronomical prices when nearby conventions like Baltimore only charge forty dollars for a two day comic con with twenty times more comic book contributors? I just bought a single day ticket and the cost was a measly $20. Will Wizard World wake up? Will they shrivel and die, or will they keep buying conventions hoping the attendees don't notice?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Photo is from NYCC 2012

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  11. Tnerb
    Or did I just sign my own death certificate?
    I went to Philadelphia Wizard World in June 2013 or do they prefer to be called Wizard World Philadelphia? Although recently they have opted for a symbol with the letter "W", it still precedes the hosting city. Is it ego that each of their conventions have the show's company name before the city that's hosting them, a city that has been around long before the convention itself? I'm not quite sure.
    I went this year in Philadelphia as I did in the many years that past. It's my home city, how could I not? But if someone competed in the city of brotherly love, would the newest contender win out? Could a David beat a Goliath?
    I started to attend Wizard World conventions in 2007. In the years that followed (08' 09' and 10') I paid to enter this event. They started with badges, something to keep akin to a souvenir, eventually they switched to wrist bands, a change I have only heard complaints about, one I'm also in agreement with. I do attend the whole weekend and I even purchased a Stan Lee VIP pass one year although I already had my press credentials. How could I not meet the Man?
    The main reason I went to these overcrowded displays of four color books was originally to buy comic books to fill the holes in my collection. The local comic book stores could not compete with the selection and prices. I made my way from booth to booth especially CGC's for the on site grading. Going to the panels was an afterthought, or an excuse to give ones own legs a rest, which was difficult this year since the talks were in a whole other portion of the building, a block away.
    My beginning Wizard World experience had Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image proudly displayed, but over time they disappeared. Rumors began that the convention was over, that Wizard's time would follow the magazine that spawned them. The people at Wizard squelched that idea by releasing dates showing they would indeed be back the following year.
    Bruce Campbell became a draw that created a different atmosphere and a different kind of convention. His line was snaked from one side of the convention to the other. It was the first death throws of Wizard World Comic Con and the first birthing pains of Wizard World: Pop Culture Event.
    In '12 I wrote for Comicbooked.com as I did the previous year. In 2013 I tried to use the CGC registry and my own floundering blog as my only credentials. It didn't work. I hooked up with Circuit42.com, which is more of a Facebook Fan page (with potential) then a comic book website, but it was enough to earn me a press pass for 2013. I do have plans to attend in 2014 but I'll probably ask to join my friend at his booth ForZombies, especially since I won't go for the full four days, it's just too expensive.
    I skipped writing about it for the longest time since I thought having a press pass in hand meant I had to praise this event. With Wizard World Chicago recently ending I realized , I can't.
    I am loyal and originally this was the only event I would attend, but then I tried going to the New York Comic Con, a convention that not only honors the city it is being hosted in but, it is an actual Comic Book convention not a Pop Culture event. Marvel combated DC for floor space. Image displayed their most prominent titles. Cosplayers were an over abundant 3D graphical copy of any and everyone's favorite comic book entities.
    The first year I went to the NYCC was cut short by my promise to attend a wedding, a wedding I said yes to before I found out it was the same weekend as the convention. My two day weekend became a one day extravaganza. An event that opened my eyes to what a Comic Book Convention is, unlike going to meet the Wizard.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  12. Tnerb

    When Death Claims Me

    By Tnerb,

    Or is it simply an Innovation
    The first Novel that I read that had me forget about time was from Dr. Who (go figure). Although I had all the privacy I could muster in the confines of my own room, I went to the library to read and my father had to come get me. I didn't understand since I was only there for an hour, I mean seriously how paranoid could a parent get. As I tried to point out that I just had breakfast, my father told me it was time for dinner, and corrected me that I was there for eight hours not the sixty minutes I swore by.
    Then there was Stephen King's The Stand. This immediately became my favorite book from the short list of books I conquered. I read the first one in paper back and then read the unabridged hardcover as soon as it came out. I thought there coukd be mo better novel. That was before On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony was recommended to me. Coincidently, soon after I finished this book, I found issue one on the comic book racks. Even at $4.95, the fully painted comic book had me part with my cash, which came out a few years before Marvels illustrated by Alex Ross.
    Innovation was battling against Marvel and DC for their corner of the market, possibly trying to follow in the footsteps of Dark Horse by attempting to publish licensed work along the lines of Queen of the Damned, Quantum Leap, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and of course On A Pale Horse.
    I remember purchasing a few, but they were never good enough for me to collect. It was, after all, not Marvel. On A Pale Horse was different, this was an attempt to see how someone else envisioned the world I wanted to learn more about. I patiently waited for the next issue, which was long in coming. The series was slated to be a six issue limited series followed by the second book, Bearing an Hourglass. Dark Horse was becoming stronger and the start of Image had the strength of multiple known talented artists place Innovation on the struggling end of paying rent, bills, and staff. Eventually the company folded in late 93' or early 94'.
    At one point it took a full year between issues, which might not be long considering how long it took for Epic to publish the final issue of Akira, an issue that never happened for On A Pale Horse. I decided to get the five I had graded. A 9.8 of this series is not necessary, especially since I would have to find them and submit myself. I am happy with what I got and finally proud I can place them in a set. Thank you Gemma.
    I hope that at the very least the next time you are in your LCS, or a comic con you might pick up a copy and leaf through what might have given the idea to Marvel to publish a fully painted comic book and charge almost five dollars, but if you need to get the whole story pick up the book, I don't think you'll regret it. To date, I have read this book eight or nine times.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  13. Tnerb

    Trapped

    By Tnerb,

    Better Safe than Sorry
    After deciding to go to Hawaii I needed to take care pf a few things, first and foremost was the care of my cat. On a previous trip I had someone come into my home and watch him. I was lucky enough that she stopped by twice a day. This also put my mind at ease because if someone was watching my home then they wouldn't know when I was there. This trip I had no help and no such illusions.
    After making sure my cat was taken care of I decided that even though my comic books are insured I may like to take an extra precaution, and I did. I took nine of my comic books, seven for financial reasons and two that I just love. Unfortunately a safety deposit box to accommodate the nine I chose was not available. I opted for two boxes. I felt safe that if I lost every other book I would still have these nine to start my collection all over again.
    After returning and retrieving my cat I started to get some things done, something I should be doing now but opted to write instead, I have been absent after all. I went to my safety deposit boxes and ended my contract with the bank. After getting the one box, the other wouldn't open. It was jammed. I didn't panic. I know the bank will make due, but now I have to wait until a company can come out and drill the lock. I brought home four of the nine I locked away, but I never thought that the other five would remain behind encapsulated in cold steel silently begging for release, trapped.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  14. Tnerb

    Another Top Ten

    By Tnerb,

    Or Starting off with Three
    Are there books you loved reading, or still have to read when you go through your back issues? Is there a single issue, one-shot or annual that still lingers in your mind? Recently I have found Locke & Key by Joe Hill and when I say recently (2yrs.) that's comparative to when I started reading comic books. The reason I jumped on the story was IDW gave out a free copy on FCBD a few years ago.
    I have the first five story arcs in hardcover published by IDW and have read them each a few times. Of course this single story is a lot more that one comic book. I loved when a limited series was released, it would give me a complete story in a finite amount of issues, nothing else to buy. A one shot or annual did the same thing and there were some I read over and over when I was younger, these were books I was careful with, we'll more careful.
    Since I love top ten lists I'll share three from the list at 10,9,&8. And at least in this top ten you'll have no idea what number one will be, after all The New Mutants #15 isn't a one shot. These are just some of my favorites and I'd love to hear some of yours for comparisons and possible future reads.
    All three that round off the end of the list are all Marvel Graphic Novel's. In one Spider-Man played Hooky and somehow a mysterious kid knew he was Peter Parker. Then there was the Death of Groo, something the mendicant couldn't get right and finally it was "Renewal" which was a third printing that I read over and over to memorize how the New Mutants started in issue one with five members and not the original four.
    So there you have it, three of ten. The other seven, another day. What are some of your favorite?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  15. Tnerb

    Aloha

    By Tnerb,

    In Hawaii they say Aloha which means hello and goodbye, which goes to show you when you spend too much time in the sun, you don't know if you're coming or going.
     
    George CarlinI'm in bed over 5000 miles away from home. I went to Other Realms already looking for those elusive New Mutants in a raw condition if they were worthy. I settled for two modern age books. I'll tell you more about this place later. Suffice to say it was a good experience. I noticed after I landed that the registry awards were posted and I must say congratulations to any and all registry award winners. When I get back home I'll check them out. I brought my New Mutants 15 with me, a 9.4 copy I purchased on the cheap side, not to mention half asleep when I bid and didn't realize it was a 9.4. Yes, my traveling companion is calling me a geek for it, but at least she smiles and laughs. It's beautiful here and considering I can only post a picture with a journal, I'll post a lot on Instagram. You can follow me there to see some of the pictures I will post of Hawaii. (Tnerb1107)I do enjoy writing and on my last vacation I wrote journals and was going to post them after the fact, however this time I still have Internet access and can post when I want, maybe from the hot tub on the cruise, or the balcony, or even a beach in Kona...with coffee. Speaking of which...time to get some.Thanks for ReadingTnerbPs. And since I am on vacation, I'm editing out my normal editing process because not only is my traveling partner and one of my best friends, she also helps me edit my stuff and I know if I asked her "How do you like this?" Her reply will be " I'm on vacation"To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  16. Tnerb

    Hawaii

    By Tnerb,

    Or, If I could only find a job out there.
    It's the day before my flight and two days before my cruise. Tomorrow I will be time travelling across dimensions like the Doctor in the Tardis. Of course it only works for travelling six hours into the past. Now only if I can get those lottery numbers for the future. Last year on my first cruise I brought a copy of New Mutants #15 with me and took pictures in various locations with it. I will be taking it to Hawaii with me to do the same. And if you're laughing I am not the only one who does this, some people travel with garden gnomes and as it is with my best friend, he travels with a severed foot.
    As Much as I am looking forward to going on this trip, I realized I have to conception on how to pack. Hell, I am bringing three pairs of shoes, the ones I am wearing, one for a nice dinner, and water shoes. I feel that this is too much, but twenty pairs of socks and fifteen sets of underwear feels like it is not enough. At least this year I can check the internet out on a regular basis and maybe, just maybe I can add a journal or two about my time there. I have arranged to go to one comic shop. Whether I go to anymore doesn't really matter, it will be cool to see how they are set up.
     
    Then I am ready to come back and officially start my new job. Fill out the paperwork and be an proper employee again. For some reason I feel my whole life is documented, categorized, and watched, go figure. Time to finish up what I need to do here. My cat is going on his own mini vacation. He just doesn't know it yet. Boy is he going to be pissed.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  17. Tnerb

    Traveling in Style

    By Tnerb,

    Or What do you mean the flight is ten hours?
    My trip is a few days away and I'm not even packed. The other day I was busy washing all my clothes with the full intent of packing. My two suitcases were ready and waiting for my clothes, but the only thing that got packed was my cat thinking the open luggage was his new bed. Instead of adding clothes I was vacuuming out the hair that he left behind.
    There are a few things I am trying to get done. Some of these things are beneficial to the trip, the other is to my collection. Including paying for some books that were already sent to me and for books to be sent to me. I'm juggling my funds with more difficulty because of the job situation...and that I need a paycheck. I had to take my cat to the Vet, something that he really really hates. This year I don't have anytime to watch him so I will be taking him to a kennel to be watched over and taken care of. Two more added expenses.
    This tightly wound budget is about to snap and I feel like I'm on a tightrope that the "Flying Greyson's" used on that fateful day. I know once I officially start this new job and I have an income coming in I'll be more comfortable, but at the moment I'm starting to stress. And speaking of stressing, what am I going to do sitting in a tin can for ten hours. I have two novels that I can read, but is that enough? Fortunately my friend and traveling companion thought of this too.
    One of those things to relieve the boredom is what I'm typing this journal on, a mini iPad. I'm trying to set it up to entertain while I'm in the air with a few word apps, but before you start crying foul and pointing out I just bought an iPad mini and already complaining about having no money, I didn't spend anything on it, yet. I have to pay back the person that bought it and I know although I have had numerous difficulties in my life I am blessed with friends, truly great friends.
    And for Bagofleas, I'll be looking for those issues for us while I'm I'm in Honolulu for the day.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  18. Tnerb

    It Begins

    By Tnerb,

    PLEASE... For something completely different, please read below. Any Comments. Any Critique. Any Thoughts, would all be appreciated.
    It Begins: A Prologue
     
    It was dark and quiet when the small flashes of light began to illuminate the murky cavern. Bits of blues, reds, yellows, and greens reflected across the dullish brown walls. The repetitive lights lasted fractions of a second before being swallowed by nothingness. A soft echo accompanied the breathing of a light wind while swirls of water rushed through the enclosed cave. The hushed silence came to an end. A crack of thunder ended it.
    Reverberations travelled through the cavern, the resonance absorbed by the surrounding area exploded with white light. The eruption left a rift suspended mysteriously in the air. It festered like a freshly open wound, shimmered silver, and an oddity emerged. A dark liquid mass poured forth. Its complexion was that of a midnight sky, the color of its essence for it did not have skin.
    Completely devoid of shape the shadowed heap poured to the barren ground. Solidifying like wet clay it continued until it was large enough to assume a form, a human form. It started with a torso then arms, legs, and head formed giving way to fingers, toes and eyes. The latter like black opals. He didn't stand, he simply formed standing. Once fully immersed into the cavern the hovering rift closed in silence.
    He took in his surroundings, finally resting his sights on his newly fashioned hands, an unseen smile crossing his face. He was here, he was finally here. Feelings of joy threatened to overcome. He could not give in. He would not give in. He allowed the pain and anguish that delivered him to this point to cancel the sensation of joy he didn't want to feel. It was not good to feel any emotion, especially now. Now he had purpose.
    A pool of water rested in front of him. Kneeling at the colorless pond his empty reflection stared back at him. The water broke when his fingers shattered its serenity. The prize he sought rested peacefully at the bottom. He couldn't touch it, but he could feel its power resonate. He looked through the ripples at it when a voice disturbed him.
    "Are you going to finish it? Do you plan on taking the King's youngest son from him?"
    "No" the shadow replied "I plan on killing the King"
    "You tried before. What makes you think you can do it this time?"
    Standing once more, his body twisted towards the emancipated voice. A passage full of blackened mist stared back at him. The light generated by the sounds could not pierce the long dark grotto. He stared towards the voice anyway. "Who said I tried the last time?"
    A warm gust poured from the haze and swept through the cavern like hot breath. "I know what you saw, about the visions, it won't work."
    "I'm not here to talk. I'm here to finish it, to do what no one will do."
    The hidden voice replied. "I ask you not to. We saw the same vision. It will only end in disaster. What I saw..."
    "What you saw?" the shadow cut him off. "What about what I have seen? What I've been through? Don't you remember? I came to you for help? You dismissed me. I had one choice. There were no alternatives."
    "There are always choices."
    "No! Not with this. I had one opportunity. I took it. I attacked him. Besides, do you truly think that King Nallus was upset that he lost his eldest son?" He paused remembering "It was because of you. You stepped aside and allowed this to happen."
    "You presume too much King of Shadows" his voice composed, almost soothing, even after such an accusation.
    "Speak no more Dragon Lord. Hide in your cave and watch what is about to unfold because one way or the other you will help me kill Nallus."
    "I cannot help you kill King Nallus anymore then I could help King Nallus when he told me to kill you."
    The Shadow King ignored the remark and faced the water again. A smile tried to appear again. Dismissing it he took a clear vial from inside his shadowed flesh and looked at what it contained. A grain of red sand rested at the bottom. A small pop sounded as the vial lid was pulled off. The cork dropped to the ground bouncing into the water. The red crystal was about to follow.
    His outstretched arm reached over the lucid pond. Taking a deep breath he tipped the vial upside down. The speck bounced its way towards the opening. It slowed ever so slightly at the exit as if it had a choice to just stop. Losing that option it fell over the side reaching for the water.
    A red encrusted stone waited at the bottom matching the color of sand. The rock glowed causing the surface of the tiny pond to ripple; the sand turned a blinding white. It hit the water and the reddish haze brightened. The Shadow King faded slightly. He did not feel the heat that emanated from the water. Bubbles boiled to the surface and winds erupted through the monstrous space.
    A soft sigh erupted. "Any last words Ossmandis" asked the proclaimed King of Shadows.
    Actions spoke for the Dragon Lord, a jet of fire flung from the darkened cave shooting straight for the pond. The Shadow King standing in front of it was inconsequential. However he did not move from his spot. The flames reached from behind stretching to embrace him. He continued to stare at the tiny particle mesmerized by the brilliance it generated, all the while ignoring the flames. There was no heat, no pain, he was shadows. The sand continued to drop as the water turned to steam.
    The Shadow King stood in-between the folds of fire waiting patiently. He didn't wait long. The flames slowed, tethered by an unseen leash and held fast to the spot. Drops of water from the ceiling slowed to a stop never reaching the ground. The rushing current gelled like liquid ice.
    Time slowed. The pebble of sand continued to fall effortlessly, drawn towards the stone until they both forged into one. A white light surrounded it once, then again and again in rapid succession. Flash after flash went quicker and quicker until the rock's outer shell burst.
    It continued and quickened to one of constant illumination, the strobe effect died in the new lights brilliance. Daylight broke underground dispelling the darkness. The formed pieces revealed a jewel, a red multifaceted glowing orb. The last words spoken were muffled by the echo of the cave. They were not to be repeated, the Shadow Kings form obliterated by the light was already gone.
    After he disappeared the cavern darkened. Pitch blackness swallowed the once beautiful kaleidoscope. The red jewel was gone, swallowed along with the light. Everything that was left behind was enveloped in darkness. Water trickled in filling the evaporated pond. Loosened rocks dropped to the ground and the Dragon Lord curled up to sleep. A war was coming and he would need to rest to stop it.
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    You can reach me through the registry or through the chat boards.

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  19. Tnerb

    Three More to Go

    By Tnerb,

    Or Seriously, Only Three More to Go
    I can't believe it's almost here and with only three more to go I can barely contain myself. I've been waiting so very long and now the time is upon me, hell the time may very well be upon you and you don't even know it yet. As soon as I noticed, I became almost as giddy as seeing that not only was my ASM #129 graded after my third signature, but it retained its 9.6 status. And now after actually typing the above I realize I feel EVEN more excited than I was then because after all this time I only have three to go, that's right three to go. And those three aren't even in my control and I wonder if Kaholo1256 had something to do with it. Did his statement make it happen even quicker? Does he even know what I'm talking about? Do you?
    I have waited a long time for this, maybe too long. The love for this hobby, for these graded comics is what had me decide to do this; more so than having Stan Lee sign my New Mutants #15, you know the one graded a 4.5, and what a signature it is. Now only if I knew when that would be in my hands, But with only three more to go I can finally erupt into joyous chorus, me and my Smurf can dance and stomp on fleas. Karma can bow down to me because it is so close I can taste it. This is better than hot chocolate with Marshmallows on a cold winter day after sledding down the best hill in the neighborhood. It's better than the first time I got my first B....um let's skip that, my ex might not want me to admit that, even though it was decades ago, but what a memory...and as great as it is with only three more to go...now that I'm really thinking about it, it isn't...but I DIGRESS.
    After all this time, the waiting, the long constipated waiting. The numerous cups of coffee and the single dozen invoices that were sent to CGC and returned to me I now only have three more to go. I checked. You can check too. It's there in black and white, well maybe black and eggshell white, or off-white, damn off-white to white, curse you. How dare you grace my New Mutants #16...oh wait!!! I digress again because at the end of the day I only HAVE THREE MORE TO GO!!!!
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. I still need to post that entirely different post but once I found out the above, how could I post anything else?
    And for the picture below, a Non New Mutants, New Mutants Cover.

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  20. Tnerb

    Time is Running Out

    By Tnerb,

    or It is Said, Time is Money
    It's early and I sit awake. My time in bed was shorter than I would have liked. My schedule has been flipped and now I work again for a paycheck. Fortunately it will be a weekly paycheck, but my wallet spasms without money being added everyday rather than every week. I never spent the money that I drew in from accepting tips from tables until I deposited the funds for bills. I knew this month would be strenuous. I went so far as paying a little over double my electric and gas bills last month. This paid off. My gas bill came in the other day with a credit owed. I hope my electric will arrive the same way.
    The last of my CGC graded books have been coming in and I have been living vicariously through RonnyLama and Bagofleas with what they have been adding to their collection. I do get a joy out of seeing Ronnylama giddy with excitement on acquiring an Alpha Flight #1 9.9 SS and all eleven New Mutants issues getting safely back to Bagofleas through the Surfer. I am going to Baltimore; I already made the plans and arrangements. I just have to get tickets...and time off from work. And that part will be more difficult. They know I am off for my vacation to Hawaii and my trepidation is causing fear to escalate if I made the right choice and to add another old adage to this journal, "Only time will tell".
    I broke the 400 registered book goal I imposed on myself. I also broke the 30,000 point barrier as well. I will have a few more books trickle in, but those books will have a minimum point addition. Three are New Mutants issues that should be safely at CGC. Is it too much to ask that they come back in a 9.8, as they were sent out in that condition? I also have two more going to Chicago. Both Annuals Bagofleas already had returned to him. Both two and three were returned safe and sound. I too wish to have those signed and had planned to do so before I found out of the good news the grandmaster of all fleas had the idea for the very same. I however wanted Alan Davis, where as he went with Chris Claremont. Fortunately, Chris was added to the bill and I hope to have both, provided there are no problems.
    Well, it is comic book day and I plan on seeing my dad as I do every Wednesday. And as always...Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. I think I might have my next journal be something completely different.
    Pps. Random photo of me and a book I had taken care of for Lee K.

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  21. Tnerb
    Or I have it, I just don't own it.
    What comic book fan doesn't jump at the chance to get a signature from Stan Lee. I knew I needed another book signed by The Man and what better book than Daredevil #2 to finish my complete Daredevil run, but I wasn't the only one to get signatures. Lee K (more on this story later) and RonnyLama both sent me books. In the case of Lee K, a single Marvel Tales of Suspense #65 (I know, Lee K with a Marvel comic) and Four books for RonnyLama (FF 9, FF 16, X-Men 3, and Iron Man #1), this doesn't include the three I wanted signed.
    I handed over a total of eight books, two of which are still with CGC, both Lee K's single book and my pride and joy are still not yet in my hands, but I did get my two Daredevil books back along with the four RonnyLama supplied, one of which is a 9.6 copy of Iron Man #1, a book I used to have that I traded in towards my ASM #129, a much lower grade.
    Ronnylama's book was a purchased 9.6 universal blue, untouched after cracked. And when it was opened fear overtook RonnyLama as he noticed a missing staple. Fortunately, it was a manufacturing defect, because there never was a staple, the pages underneath were hole less and only held together by the lone upper metal fastener. In this instance I think it makes the book all the cooler. Although I wonder, would the book be a 9.8 if it had the staple in the first place.
    So this week as I am training at the new job I have to get to a FedEx office and ship his comic books back to him, not to mention the beautiful 9.8 triple signature copy of X-Men #140 to Lee K (and yet another Marvel issue for the Go-Go king).
    All four that RonnyLama turned over were beautiful silver age specimens. They are still jaw dropping gorgeous, but now they are signed by Stan Lee. A couple of them were under that Very Fine/Near Mint designation. Fantastic Four #9 was a Universal 9.0 and returned a SS 9.0 so if a 9.0 SS is good enough for RonnyLama, then it's good enough for me.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  22. Tnerb

    Approaching 30,000

    By Tnerb,

    Or Reaching Two Milestones
    It's been a few years since I first started collecting CGC graded comic books. I started with Secret War #2 in a 9.8 and Daredevil Vol. 1 #90 in a 9.0. They were purchased at my first Wizard World strictly as a novelty, and at only $25 a piece, I thought it was a deal. It wasn't until I saw a copy of The New Mutants #1 at the Philadelphia Comic Con when I decided I wanted my favorite series in the best possible condition. At the time the forty five dollar price tag on the premiere issue was the most I purchased a graded comic book for.
    This price point also became the limit I wanted to spend on any New Mutants in a 9.8. This didn't last. I began to look on eBay and started my collection with my favorite series and filler from other books I read in my younger days. I found Stephen Ritter this way, which led me to many a purchase through World Wide Comics.
    In time my points accumulated, but were sitting at a measly 12 to 15 hundred. The comic books that I love so much are worth next to nothing compared to some of the other titles from the same era. Of course when I say next to nothing, I mean points. They happen to be priceless to me. However, The New Mutants are not all I collect. Some, like my ASM #129 are worth a few thousand, which possibly to others is not worth that much at all, but considering that one specific book is currently above ten percent of my accumulated forthcoming milestone I am striving for, that's not half bad.
    My latest delivery will arrive this Friday. Is it any coincidence that this is also my last day at my old job? In this box are four books for RonnyLama and a book for Lee K with another four for me, one of which is the book I'm looking forward to the most, Daredevil #2.
    This issue alone will catapult me past 30,000 points. During my editing of this journal I decided to add every single book I could up to 399 allowing the addition of my Daredevil #2 to not only be the book to get me past my points goal, but will also become my four hundredth comic registered. This number might drop depending on any sales or trades I might have, but this Stan Lee signed and graded comic book also helped me achieve completing the last Daredevil I needed to finish the series.
    I could purchase more CGC's towards a head start for next years goal of 500 registered slabs and 40,000 points or just turn more over at the next convention I plan to attend. Then there is the series by Innovation I'm hungrily waiting for a new set to be added. I graded all five books of the series because I love having them, after all they did survive the purge. This will add a minimum of points. And when I say a few if I calculate for all five books correctly I might net 120 points.
    But 30,000 makes me feel like a contender. I might also break into the three hundred range by the end of the year, which to me is pretty cool. Now only if I can get first place (again) with the New Mutants then my journey to the dark side will be complete.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Thank you for all the well wishes with starting my new endeavor. I will tell you more at another time and date, preferably after my first paycheck.

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  23. Tnerb

    Quitting

    By Tnerb,

    Or Taking a Chance
    This posting is more personal than comic related, but I've written some personal things before so why not again. Recently, I gave my two weeks notice. My last day is on Friday, July 5th. Of course quitting will severely deplete any additional monies I may acquire to purchase comic books, but the new job could increase revenue exponentially. I probably also quit when they needed me most. Vacations are starting and some key personnel decided to quit. Do I dare say it is a sinking ship?
    I have been serving tables here for five years, during that time I would host, cashier, and occasionally be the waiter in charge. Each job is menial. However, I always made my money because I was willing to come in anytime they asked. I also like to think I'm good at it. My availabilitu made it easier to request off, but it's slowing down and I'm having trouble making the money that was once easier to earn. A Saturday would easily bring me in over a hundred dollars, but the busiest days are no longer days I can rely on. And let's face it, I need to make money to pay my bills, insurance, and expenses. All this has to be taken care of before I purchase a single comic book, let alone one graded by CGC.
    I already started training at my new job on my off time, unpaid. So will that pay off? Will I still get the trips I planned on? Hawaii will happen no matter what, and then I'm all ready for Baltimore and Florida, I'm sure Seattle will take a few phone calls and will I decide to try for press or just but my tickets. After all I'd have to try to give a positive spin on it, something I can't quite do for Wizard World. Then again, last years con at Baltimore was great and so was this years ECCC, but I digress.
    If I'm lucky this job will not only pan out but I'll thrive. I'll be able to buy all the books I want. I'll climb up the registry ranks and I'll pass BagoFleas again (mwahahaha) in the New Mutants set. Of course I'll have to buy more flea powder.
    This will take some time to know what I need to and quite frankly, at this age, I'm terrified. I do have confidence I can do it, but now I just need the time in and the experience. Of course if this doesn't work out I'm just going to win a multimillion dollar jackpot.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
     
    Random photo below

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  24. Tnerb
    Or "What path will my life take"
     
    Or "Which path in life will I choose?"
     
    Or "because I shall pursue the path of life"
     
    Or Who uses Latin anyway?My Mother hated me collecting comic books. I never understood why. At one point I left copies of Uncanny X-Men issues 190 and 191 in the dining room on the windowsill. These comics were left there after I looked them over on the kitchen table one day before school, mind you the dining room was and always was devoid of furniture. I can only remember a couple times that we entertained in this room, so when I left two comic books on the windowsill I thought nothing of it. When I got home, they were gone along with a file box of baseball cards also left there.Apparently my Mom thought nothing good could come from reading comic books (or collecting baseball cards) and I wonder if she paid attention to the fifties Senate hearings with Dr. Frederic Wertham and never forgot it. After this incident occurred (my mother trashing my comic books being the incident not the Senate hearing) I began to keep my comics at my father's house, with a few exceptions, yes The New Mutants #15 was one of them. As I am writing this I can remember my Mom arguing with me that I would never learn anything from reading them and that they were a waste of money. I would have to imagine that anything that inspires a kid to learn is worth allowing. The Fantastic Four was one of the books I would use a dictionary to figure out exactly what Reed Richards was trying to say when he was creating a device to help regulate the tachyon emissions rushing through sub-space between our portion of the galaxy into the Negative Zone via the Microverse.I remember the Human Torch implying how stupid his one team mate was in the beginning of Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars. He stated that after Mr. Fantastic finishes speaking in five dollar words, he'll explain it to everyone else in English and to the Thing in one syllable words. Comic books can teach us so much, whether it might be a simple word or by creating a whole society of mutants to teach a young audience that racism is wrong. Dr. Wertham was wrong in bringing his views to the Senate claiming that these comics would destroy the youth in America going so far as using a copy of Crime SuspenStories to back his argument (but lets face it, it helped sell his book) and I feel my Mother's thinking was wrong that I would never learn anything or that they would ever be worth anything. I do believe that comic books not only entertain but teach and with out ever picking up four color books I probably would have shied away from reading those pesky pages without pictures called a novel. Thanks for ReadingTnerbTo see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  25. Tnerb

    Is a 9.0 OK?

    By Tnerb,

    Or What's your Ideal Grade?
    I recently purchased two Daredevil books to get signed. The second one I'll mention another time, but the initial desire to complete a full Daredevil run ended with purchasing a copy of issue #2 in an 8.0. This book was purchased through Comics to Astonish, a retailer/dealer that I buy from on a regular basis. The desire for this book was to not only complete a full Daredevil run, but to have the first ten issues graded by CGC and signed by Stan Lee. I currently have issues 1,3,7, and 8 under this category.
    Not only did I purchase the graded copy, I had it pressed. I wanted the best copy I could get. I also had it signed by Stan Lee at Wizard World Philadelphia, hoping I'd get it back the same weekend. I didn't. It is currently on its way back to Maryland (yes Lee K. so is yours). I of course was expecting a 9.0 but I was hoping for a 9.2 and praying for a 9.4, but am I ok with it coming to me as a 9.0?
    Why do I feel buyers remorse? There is nothing wrong with silver age being a 9.0. Am I just so used to getting 9.8 modern age books? Am I spoiled with 9.6 signature series? Am I just simply delusional? Or do I expect much more from a pressed book? It could also be I bought it sight unseen. Or maybe I just wanted more points.
    Are there any books you have you wish could have graded higher? Am I just crazy not being overjoyed having a 9.0 Stan Lee Signature Series copy of Daredevil #2? I think the answer to that is yes. As for the other book, that grade was much lower, but it gets me closer to my goal as well.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Picture below is my number three from Wizard World 2012

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