• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Tnerb

Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    2,056

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    Getting a 9.5

    By Tnerb,

    Or My First Red Label
    My father had my package ready on the dining room table. A knife sat to the right of it, the tip broken off. I should ask about that, but I was happy that the book I made a trade with was there. eBay is easy, as well as any if the comic auction sites. You pay, they send. But what happens when you're trusting someone to send you something using the honor system, if course to be fair, they were trusting me too.
    I met this person through Instagram. I have almost as many pictures in there as I have journals on here. By this time next week I should have that amount equaled and passed in two weeks. He had a photo of a book for trade. It was a Young Avengers #1 Wizard World exclusive, graded a 9.5. I never saw one before, and my advice to Dave was to keep it. Apparently that didn't happen.
    We agreed upon a trade and trusted each of us to do right by the other. On Saturday my patents notified me that my package arrived, and Dave posted his newest acquisition on Instagram, something I did today. I love the social media aspect of making friends and because if it I have my first and only 9.5.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  2. Tnerb
    or Down the Home Stretch
    I always figured out of the top ten, any top ten it was always the last five that had to jockey for position while the top five were solidly in place. I can never see my top two spots changing. Maybe a high grade Daredevil #1 signed by Stan Lee might hit that number two spot, but not the number one. Three, Four and Five could definitely be new to the list and in that five spot is my Daredevil #3 9.0 signature series by none other than Stan Lee. This book was purchased at Wizard World 2012. I was rushing to buy it since I wanted Stan Lee to sign it and I was learning about pressing and decided this was a good candidate.
    The person I bought the book off of lowered it to a price I was willing to pay, then I took it to get signed by Stan Lee in front of a CGC witness and then had Matt Nelson press it before giving it back to CGC for grading. It was a four day process. One person thought the press would get it to an 8.5 while Matt thought a 9.2. I thought if it hits a 9.0 I would be happy, and a 9.0 is what I received. But something else happened which will never happen ever again. I was escorted to the front of the line. I watched as Stan Lee entered the cubicle and I was happy to just be in his presence.
    Originally there were two tables in front of him, this was enough to keep him away from his fans and he would not have it. The books I had presented were already signed before he decided to change the set up. I am sure others got closer ad were able to shake his hand but it was me who got to see him first and for that day, my book was the second one signed out of the hundreds placed his scrawl against. To every fan out there meeting Stan Lee and having him sign a book is just a dream come true, let's see what I get signed at this year's Wizard World.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  3. Tnerb
    Or Number six with a bullet
    Next on the list is a book I never picked up when it came out. I would have, if it ever made it to the racks, but Amazing Spider-Man #252 was an instant sell out at the local 7-11. I was twelve and the closest comic book store was too far to make it there secretly. Of course the other side of the coin was I didn't know anything about release dates.
    After picking up New Mutants #15 I went back the next day and picked up as many comic books as I could. I don't remember the exact list of what I picked up that day, or the following weeks but the Amazing Spider-Man #251 became the first comic book to join my copies of Amazing Spider-Man #181 and Spectacular Spider-Man #3. The cover of Spider-Man's hand coming from the water holding a mask was too good to be missed. The next issue, #252, was too good, it was missed.
    A good amount of Amazing Spider-Man issues past me by and until I was able to frequent a comic book shop on a regular basis this title was considered sold out. As Iconic as issue #252 was, I didn't purchase a copy until I was well into my adult years. And I never thought about getting a CGC graded copy until I was able to get at least a 9.8 copy, and I wanted to purchase a few others. Eventually I did get the 9.8 copy I desired and it came to me in the best way possible. Ronnylama sent me an extra copy he had. He had sent me a few previous copies of different books all CGC graded, some of which I took with me to ECCC to have signed by Chris Claremont.
    Amazing Spider-Man #252 makes it solidly on my list because as with many other of my choices, I picked this book because what it symbolizes in my friendship with Ronnylama. Without him I would not have such a great specimen of this book to join my collection and I would never have had the opportunity to go to ECCC, My top ten list would never be complete without a book that was selflessly given.
    Thanks for Reading

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  4. Tnerb
    or Licky Slumber Sleven
    Bagofleas has a beautiful copy of the New Mutants in a Gem Mint Ten, the closest I could come to that is a 9.9, a copy I never would have known about because I was unfamiliar with Comic Connect at that time. It was an auction that ended on a Monday a half an hour before work. I brought in my net book which had wireless service at the time and in the last few seconds placed my bid only to see another three minutes be added to the ending time. This was new to me. I knew on eBay once the time was up, it was up. The same for Heritage Auctions, this was new to me and a bit aggravating especially when someone else placed a bid and thee more minutes were added.
    This went on again when I placed another bid. Between the two of us the book slowly climbed and I had to clock in for work. I brought my net book over to where I was stationed, which was fortunately on the register. I let my manager know that I was bidding on something and surprisingly he allowed it. While customers were coming up to pay their checks or a server came to me to cash out for the night since this was during a shift change I kept bidding and so did my unknown nemesis. The book climbed and climbed and I wondered how far I was willing to go. How much was I willing to pay and then finally, forty five minutes after I thought it would originally end with me the victor, a couple bids where I would financially have to stop, I won.
    About two weeks later another copy appeared. I was thinking about bidding on this two and was slightly upset it also sold for less than half of what I spend, damn my addiction. At that time it was the most I ever spent on a book which has made way to my Marvel Graphic Novel #4 SS 9.8, which became the most I paid for a comic book, well that was until yesterday, but with four left on my list where does that book place...would you believe it doesn't.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  5. Tnerb

    The Top Two Spots

    By Tnerb,

    Or No, you didn't miss the Other Five
    Ok, let's face it, if I'm counting down my top ten and you already know the top two spots, wouldn't it be more exciting if slots three through seven went in a random order. I have written so many times about my New Mutants issue fifteen and my Amazing Spider-Man #129 it's hard to imagine anything else to write about it.
    The ASM #129 became bigger than it ever was from a back issue on the wall at ComiCards, to a single issue in an ever growing collection only to become one of the first books I have had graded by CGC. I dropped it off first thing in the morning and got it back the same day. My New Mutants was even graded a second time, this time signed by Chris Claremont. I plan on adding Stan Lee to that list. My final goal is to add everyone that is credited on the first page.
    These two books are the two books that mean the most to me in my collection. The history and stories that they lay claim too. From sitting in my bedroom at my fathers, not to mention the New Mutants sat in my sock drawer. They even spent time in a storage locker. Of course I spent the extra money fir climate control. To finally being encapsulated by CGC.
    Now that my top two are listed, along with my first three, how should we proceed for the lady five slots?
     
    10. New Mutants #47 - 4 graded
    9. Daredevil #1. - 2144 graded
    8. X-Infernus. - 10 graded
    7.
    6.
    5.
    4.
    3.
    2. Amazing Spider-Man #129 - 4666 graded
    1. New mutants #15 - 11 graded
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  6. Tnerb

    Eight of Ten

    By Tnerb,

    Or Does it get any Better than This?
    Number eight on my list was the book that brought Magik back to the Marvel universe...again. This four issue limited series brought about the short return of the New Mutants. My first graded copy was signed three times in a 9.8, but his could I pass up a Gem Mint Ten. Sure, it's not as good as having a Gem Mint New Mutants #1, but this cover and the alternate cover brought about two great statues matching the covers. I bought both.
    This small limited series set will be completed with only one more book. Having a gem mint is a phenomenal thing to have, especially a book in a competing set. The cover is vibrant and although might one day drop off my top ten list it is a book I will not part with, unless if course a signature series if the same grade appears.
    So far I have a one copper age book, a silver age book, and now a modern age book. What's next?
    10. New Mutants #47 - 4 graded
    9. Daredevil #1 - 2144 graded
    8. X-Infernus #1 - 10 graded
    7. ...

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  7. Tnerb

    10-1= Daredevil

    By Tnerb,

    Ground Control to Major Tom
    This next one was originally purchased through an online auction. I placed ten bids on ten different comic books and on each of them I maxed out from the beginning. My theory was that if I was meant to win, I would. One of those bids were placed on a universal copy of Daredevil #1. I feared this would be the first book I would lose. By the next day I lost three and the Daredevil #1 was already at my maximum amount. By day six I lost all, but the first appearance of Matt Murdock, but I still had a day to go.
    At the end of the auction I watched as the seconds ticked off fearing that I would lose. I think I also feared that I would win. Did I really want a 3.5 copy? Could I settle for something that dreadful? Did it matter? It was too late. I won.
    Once this book was in my hands I realized it was a book I was glad to have. It was no where near the pristine copy I wanted to purchase as a teen, but this copy was mine. A few months passed and CGC advertised a Stan Lee signing. After narrowing the list down, my DD#1 was one of four I opted to send. Who knows maybe the book would jump a grade. It didn't. My first appearance of Marvel's blind super hero returned newly encapsulated as a 3.5.
    To this day I am happy that I have this book and this is the reason why I have it listed in my nine slot for my top ten. However, I have tried selling it though, so why would this be part of a list of books I'd keep during a purge. The answer is I want a higher grade. It really is that simple. My secondary CGC goal is to have issues one through ten signed by Stan Lee, but even that could fall to the wayside to get a 9.0 or higher of this beautiful first issue.
    10. New Mutants #47 9.8
    9. Daredevil #1 SS 3.5
    8. ...
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  8. Tnerb

    Creating a Top Ten

    By Tnerb,

    Or Finally Answering Surfer 99's question.
    Longer ago than I can remember, Surfer 99 asked what ten CGC graded comic books would survive a purge. At the time I answered with five. I felt I didn't have enough to warrant a proper answer. Now that I am closing in on four hundred slabs I feel that I can. Over the next ten journals provided I don't sidetrack and talk about the upcoming Wizard World convention I will list my top ten books that will survive a mass exodus of four color books from my humble abode.
    I have not yet figured out how I want to truly document these cherished relics. Do I want to discuss the history of the book? Or shall I just discuss the books history with me. Most of these will not be a surprise, but some might be surprising. I hope that you all might have fun with this and write your own list. If you like the idea and have fun with it, please thank Surfer 99 for the idea. If you feel it is cliché or trite, then I take blame.
     
    To start off...
    #10 on my list is my New Mutants #47. When I originally created this list I had the only copy. Now there is one more and it is a signature series 9.8 owned by Bagofleas but what makes this book so important is neither the amazing cover, nor the enjoyment of reading it over and over as a teen, or even the rarity of the issue graded. It's because it's the book that helped solidify a friendship. This never would have happened if not for a possible twenty minute lunch break that allowed me to buy the book online.
    It is this book that opened up fours to friendships through the registry, and indeed it was Bagofleas who I considered to be the first friend I made here.
    Will this book drop off my list since it is no longer the only one. It might, but I won't cherish it less, it's just that there might be something else I cherish more, currently of which there are nine others.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    http://ashotofcomics.blogspot.com/2013/05/iron-man-3-roundabout-review.html

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  9. Tnerb

    ECCC to Graded

    By Tnerb,

    Or Quicker then I Expected
    I have had already three invoices returned to me from ECCC, of course these were sent in on a higher tear. Out of the three invoices that remained at CGC two were submitted under the modern designation. Today they were changed to graded. That's forty business days since they were accepted at Sarasota, FL.
    With all the major cons CGC has been attending, especially with on-site grading at Mega-Con, I am shocked at how quickly this made it to being graded. So I wonder will thus be bottle necked in the encapsulation process, will quality control number my books incorrectly, will I be happy with my grades?
    On the invoice I decided to get the full series of Spider-Man and the BlackCat signed by Terry and Rachel Dodson. If any become a 9.8 I will be pleasantly surprised. Issues 1-3 I deemed worthy of a 9.4, while 4-6 I calculated a 9.6.
    The other two is a copy of Sandman #14 signed by Mike Driggenberg and Marvel Team-Up #100, double cover signed by Chris Claremont. The Sandman #14, I'm hoping for a 9.6 while the Team-Up would be a score it it is a 9.4. The other invoice could be discussed later. What I now have to decide is what book should I have Stan Lee Sign. In a perfect world I would choose my New Mutants #15 (4.5 SS I already own), my Tales of Suspense #97, my Daredevil #5, and to purchase a Daredevil #2. Lofty goals with my plans to cruise around Hawaii but why not.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  10. Tnerb

    Stan Lee Lives

    By Tnerb,

    Ideas can never be treated to any one source. They are tossed back and forth between people until the decision makers step in and choose what they think is a success formula...
     
    ...Jack KirbyMy day begins and ends with comics. I know, that's a weird thing to say. I'm single, live alone, and find comfort in the fabricated fiction I collect. This story telling medium could be argued that it would never have existed without Stanley Lieber. It is more true to say that comic books of today would not be the same. Stan Lee is an industrial Icon. His presence dictates a rapt audience. The first time I watched as he regaled his story I was mournfully amazed at how much this man reminded me of my deceased Pop-Pop. I even had the opportunity to be first in line for signatures at Wizard World 2012. I took it.Baltimore Comic Con came and went and I decided to get another picture, the line was quickly moving and I forked over the twenty dollars for the rare event. In New York I purchased a Gyclee which has his scrawl on it and another chance to pose with the great. I find comfort on the journals her at the registry because I have the chance to talk with like minded individuals. Some like RonnyLama, Shivabali, and Lee K I travelled across the country to meet. I hope to do the same with Bagofleas and Surfer 99. And I feel that we do have a great community here, a great opportunity to have others look at our hobby and revere it with the camaraderie shared. As I wake every time, since my schedule is always in flux, it is hard to say when I will awaken but it is safe to say that when I do one of the first things I do is check the registry. For whatever reason, this became a daily ritual. I of course had my heart sink as I saw the headlines state Stan Lee R.I.P. I immediately set upon reading the article and found that it was meant to be satirical, a bit dark and morbid but I was relieved that it wasn't the truth. As far as an Obit was concerned, one I hope to be witty for my own one day, I felt that this was entirely uncalled for. While I can agree with some of the points that were trying to be expressed Stan Lee is still a man, a man with family, friends, fans, and let's face it financial backers. Most likely it is these financial backers that have helped Stan Lee stay in the spotlight and given me the opportunity to get my ASM #129 signed by him. I wish that they would do the same so I can get my New Mutants #15 signed by Sal Buscema. This hobby is great, and yes there are people out there who might try to rip you off saying a signature is rarer than it actually is. I have four Daredevil's with Stan Lee's signature series label. I hope to acquire six more. People might try to abuse Stan Lee's signature to make a buck but didn't comic book companies do the same thing? Didn't they create the books that the creators put their whole heart and soul into for the mighty corporation? It might not have been right but it is what was. As recently as Todd McFarlane and Neil Gaiman, whose dispute has been settled, was ironically hypocritical because Todd helped create Image to get away from companies like Marvel who owned all rights to Todd's creation of Spawn.Stan Lee will die, his body will pass and we will mourn, but not today. I don't look forward to the day when I see that he has truly passed. If in the future you want to make fun of spectators making a buck of a name, a signature, or even an idea, please call them to light and damage their credibility if you would, but here, in this arena, leave Stan Lee alone. I for one, to the knowledge that I do have applaud Stanley Lieber for never writing the great American novel, for in taking a job that he was hired for quite possibly and only because he was a relative of the owner and turning it into what it is today. The Movies that we watch might never have been released. The Statues and action figures we collect would be stagnant clay, and the posters and canvas would be morbidly white.The following is what I take from what X-Ray Spexx said. It's the last paragraph that I see what he is really trying to say. I don't like to write in anger because the wrong thing will be said. I read what he had to say and waited. I garnished my response above these words but didn't want to add to his journal and thought rather to create my own. I think Spexx himself was pissed. At what though? I do not know. But I think in his own way he was angry that others would tarnish Stan Lee's name. The next paragraph is with his own words. Take from them what you will. ************************************************************This is in response to the bizarre nature of how everybody is waiting on the man to die so they can cash in on everything he's signed. From personal experience after going to conventions and watching my comic book heroes turn out to be real a**holes in person, Stan is one of the few people who genuinely seemed to be happy to be amongst the fans and sign. Its just a shame that everybody is waiting to cash in on his death. I'm sure people were rushing to ebay as soon as they read the title ************************************************************His title was in bad taste, because if anyone Googles it, it might come up. After all, there have been other stars that have been written off to the great beyond before their time. This industry will be, and always will have spectators that want to cash in. Hell, I wish I could make a living buying and selling comic books. This little rant, these strung together words I hope made sense one way or the other, because somewhere along the way I just rambled. Please forgive me.And slightly in addition...I have no idol other than my father. I cherish no individual more than any other man. And I have freely admitted as much that Stan Lee is an icon of the comic book masses and a living legend within the entertaining world, he is a man who lives everyday such as we live everyday and should be respected for that and the great things he has passed along to us. So until his passing does occur, until his signature can no longer be written across comic books and artwork alike, until that day, Stan Lee lives.Nuff Said'TnerbTo see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  11. Tnerb

    The eBay Protocols

    By Tnerb,

    Or Buy! Buy! Buy!
    This past Sunday the registry was down for three hours, at least it was slated to be down for three hours. Normally it's at night when they update the site for maintenance, this time it was slated for the afternoon. And asynchronous as I check the site out it wasn't until Surfer99 pointed out the change that I took notice.
    There is now a search eBay button for this initial update. I tested it out with New Mutants 58 of course, there were nine. Then Annual #4 fir the same series. Same thing, no hits. The third one I tried was Thanos Quest #2 second printing. It brought up every CGC copy of Thanos Quest there was. I'm sure there are still bugs to this but there are some books that resemble each other in this set. The two newest one shots are an example in this.
    But do we need this latest edition? Could CGC have come up with something better? Maybe link the book with a digital copy? Or better yet maybe have it link to the GPA for price comparisons. I believe the NGC portion if this site has something like this. I can check on eBay, I've done just fine doing this. I've even checked alternate sites for books I needed.
    I'll use it from time to time in sure, but I am not sure working on the registry is the way to go. Did eBay pay them? Was it a customer request to make it easier to find books for their collection? I'll admit it's a best gimmick, kind if like multiple covers, because even with the outside changed, it's still the same story inside.
    What are your thoughts?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  12. Tnerb

    Trying New Things

    By Tnerb,

    Or I Really Am A Fussy Eater
    I try things once in a while, new things in the time the proverbial blue moon arrives. In fact there have probably been many blue moons that passed between the things I have tried as new and finally accepted as old. Many meals would pass untried, this was probably due to my parents not being able to cook. This inconsiderate habit of denying myself things transcended into the comic world.
    Of course in simpler terms everything is new at one point. It has to be tried for it to become old. I romantically hypothesize my first comic book was given to me by my grandfather. I can systematically attribute this to having a copy of the Star Wars treasury edition used as a floor mat in my Pop-pop's car. I remember one rainy day pulling it off the trash strewn floor and throwing it onto the back seat next to me. I also imagine that the security blanket status this comic book had allowed an opening for my Aunt Rozie to dispose of some comic books owned by her son. It might have just been her way of staying ahead of the times by recycling. This also might be why only one horror movie ever scared me because Fear #8 and SuperNatural Thrillers #2 were read repeatedly.
    So decades later as I pick up a new book I will most likely put it back down. I blame two things. I like to complete things. If I buy the first issue, I need to buy the fifth, tenth, fiftieth, and so on. This gets costly. I have learned to end a series because I lost interest. I did this with DC's Teen Titans. Once in a while I get shocked with a good issue and I collect for a few more. Another single good issue keeps me salivating for more but in today's digital world it is easier to skip a book or two every Wednesday.
    The latest title I tried happened this past Monday with Morning Glories. At .99 from Comixology, it was a deal I couldn't pass up. I was shocked how good it was. I already knew I like the covers. The interior artwork was just as superior as any other comic book that has me hooked. I just didn't get into it because it was something new. I didn't have the space. It's Image and they are never on time. Place a made up reason here. By this morning I finished all twenty five issues. And I want more. But what's the next new thing on the horizon that I will pass on, or will I give it a shot? Maybe today I'll find out about Jupiter's Legacy.
    Thanks For Reading
    Tnerb
     
    http://ashotofcomics.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-glorious-morning-roundabout-review.html?m=1

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  13. Tnerb

    In the Que

    By Tnerb,

    or Don't know what to expect
    For a few weeks I had an invoice with three books marked received, once I saw them change to verified I checked what books they had. Two on that invoice were Marvel Team Up #100 and Sandman #14. These are two I took to the ECCC to get signatures on. The Marvel Team Up was an acquisition and the Sandman was a book I was doing my best to get caught up on since I started late in the series with #32.
    The third book however was a copy of Daredevil #9. I wanted this book signed by David Mack but after viewing the ECCC site an announcement was made that he would not be there. I left the book behind only to find out he was. Bottom line is I never got the book signed so I didn't bother turning the book in. I was surprised that the invoice had three marked down but figured that it would be caught. It wasn't.
    I called up and talked with Brie, this same person has helped me a few times and apparently I save her a headache because they were searching for this book diligently. The one thing I guess I don't get since I filled out the paperwork on my computer is I entered the Volume #2 from the second Daredevil series and they entered the #9 from 1965. By the end of the day, the corrections were made and a credit was made. I will state this, although we pay for our books up front, they do refund for their mistakes just as quickly.
    Three invoices are currently at CGC. One is still in that received limbo status. The invoice in question is still at verified, but the surprise invoice were my very own copies of the Black Cat and Spider-Man six issue limited. I was hesitant about getting these books signed but figured, why not? All six of these re scheduled for Grading, something I wasn't expecting until at the very least another month from now.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  14. Tnerb
    Or Am I Happy?
    Last year I went to the Baltimore Comic Con. I brought a few comic books with me for Matt Nelson formerly of Classics Incorporated and currently with Classics collectible services (CCS), a subdivision of Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). Was the talks if a transition even in place now. Was this a way for CGC to now add a purple restored label to pressed comic books or a way to start a new color label on this currently considered non-restorative technique.
    I met Matt Nelson through Steven Ritter when they were partnered with WorldWide Comics. I have already been asking questions about this technique to improve upon a comic books condition, and yes it is also possible to decrease the condition. After questioning him the one day I decided to put my money where my mouth was. Was pressing the be all improvement on a books visual desirability or is it categorized incorrectly away from dreaded purple label of death.
    I brought 14 books for him to look at, fourteen books to see if they could be improved with a pressing before passing them into CGC. As with algebra I needed a given, I needed an X. Out of the fourteen, some were raw, some were graded, others were regarded and dropped, while still others were regarded and stayed stationary. The books will be listed as follows. I will omit page color since it is irrelevant to the ordering procedure.
    The first book I'll start with is the Walking Dead Chromium Edition. He told me there was no reason to give him thus book, it was easily a 9.8. This was turned over to Desert Winds at the NYCC For Robert Kirkman's autograph. It was just returned as a SS 9.6. Was Matt's estimation off? Did Desert Winds somehow damage the book? Will I write about this in further detail?
    The other books were:
    X-Men #42 grade: 7.0 screen :7.5
    X-Men #52 grade: 9.0 screen: N/A
    X-Men #142 grade: 9.2 screen: N/A
    X-Men/Alpha Flight #2
    Grade: 9.4 SS screen: 9.8 SS
    X-Infernus #3
    grade: 9.4 SS screen: N/A
    Amazing Spider-Man #129
    Grade: 9.4 SS screen: 9.6 SS
    New Mutants Annual #4
    Grade: 8.5 screen: 9.6
    New Mutants Summer Special #1
    Grade: 9.0 screen: N/A
    New Mutants #58
    Grade: 9.6 SS screen: N/A
    Daredevil #48
    Grade: RAW screen: 8.0
    X-Men #132
    Grade: RAW screen: 9.4
    X-Men #101
    Grade: RAW screen: 6.5
    And finally
    X-Men #99
    Grade: RAW screen: 9.0
    Right off the bat I want to say I like the honesty that Matt showed. On these particular books above, any books marked under screen as N/A were turned down because he felt a press wouldn't do well, even asking if he was sure, especially on the New Mutants #58, he looked it over again. He told me once again he didn't think a press would work and put them in the do not press pile.
    Out of 14 books shown he took only eight. The six he omitted were taken home. My understanding a bit better. Everyone already knows what happened to my Amazing Spider-Man #129 but what about the next seven? Was it wirth it? Was he right? Was he wrong?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  15. Tnerb
    Or Weeding Out the Old...
    I'll write more about the book I received in a trade as soon as I get it. This is more about the books about to go. My raw Daredevil eight is gone. I always considered it to be mid-grade. By CGC's standards I would give it a 5.5 or a 6.0 and after purchasing a 9.2 SS copy I traded it away. The question is should I do this with my other books?
    I have a 9.6 copy of Amazing Spider-Man #300. Do I dare get rid of my raw copy. Do I try to sell it in the hopes to make a few bucks? And then take those funds and buy something else? I purchased a large collection and have been lazy about placing them on eBay. I sold less than twenty books and brought in a net amount right over two hundred dollars. If I start selling off my stuff I better pay attention to what goes where. In other words does the money go back to pay back my savings for the gamble or do I get to use the money to buy more stuff.
    I just sold my New52 Batman and Robin issues I have. I took a loss but I'm looking at I have space for nine more comic books. Have I mentioned the Xbox games I'd like to sell, the Star Wars chess set, or even the assortment of Hero Clix I'd like to sell. At the end of the day I have to stop being lazy about it. Then if course I decided to get rid of all the CGC books I no longer want. I like keeping my sets all on one page. I don't like having so many sets with a book here or there. Eventually I will delete those sets. I might need to sell these books, I just want to.
    Have you had to sell your collection? And have you regretted doing so?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  16. Tnerb

    We All Complain but...

    By Tnerb,

    Or for a moment lets forget about turn around times.
    When the greats did the whole community mourns. Most recently Carmine Infantino died. Any comic book news site that is worth anything reported on it. This happened about the same time that Margaret Thatcher and Phil Kaltenbach died. I'm sure you know two out of the three, the third might be less known but no less important especially among the grading community.
    Phil was a grader with CGC until passing away in late March, and out of the almost four hundred books I have graded by this company I start to wonder, did any if my books pass through his hands. I read what CGC has written on their main portion of the site but I tend to go straight to the registry and trying to use the chat boards more but felt a moment of silence for someone that loved this hobby so much that I needed to add my thoughts on this.
    Although it has been a few weeks since his passing and another week since his memorial service and I might be a bit late in saying anything tonight but after I write and after I read I shall take a moment and go over my graded collection in a silent reminder that even graders pass.
    Thank you Phil, I'm sorry I never met you
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Below is the link to what CGC has written.
    http://www.cgccomics.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?IDArticle=3267&CGC-Loses-Valuable-Team-Member

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  17. Tnerb

    If I Buy it???

    By Tnerb,

    Or Can I sell it?
    I just purchased a CGC copy of Daredevil #8. This book is also signed by Stan Lee, graded a 9.2 and falls into the goals of my collection. The thing is, am I If I Buy It???
    I just purchased a CGC copy of Daredevil #8. This book is also signed by Stan Lee, graded a 9.2 and falls into the goals of my collection. The thing is, am I allowed to sell the other one. Is there any formula? Will I regret owning both if them or selling one.
    I bought a collection and in this collection was a copy of Amazing Spider-Man #300. I have to say it was one if the best books in there. I sold it quickly on eBay and making a tidy profit. Since then I was thinking of selling my copy. I never sent it to CGC fir grading because I thought it would only grade a 9.2. I have a 9.6 copy courtesy of RonnyLama, so why am I holding into the copy I have. Us it nostalgia, is it because it was one of the first comic books I purchased that I was in awe of, or will my collection somehow be incomplete without it?
    I could start it at .99 cents like I did the other one, but will I be upset if it sells low? Can I sell it? Do I have that strength and if I sell that what stops me from selling everything else. Could I buy just slabs?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  18. Tnerb

    I Will Kill You All

    By Tnerb,

    or My Top 5 Comic Book Villains
    The first comic book villain I remember from any comic book was Darth Vader. This was the oversized treasury edition. Since this comic book was based off the movie I don't think I can count Palapatine's disciple. Another villain I remember was Two-Face, an arch nemesis of Batman, but I never followed what happened after the only issue I had, #313. I was also introduced to the White Queen in my infamous New Mutants #15 along with her students the Hellions.
    New Mutants #16 was the first time I saw two teams mirror each other. Magik vs. Tarot, Thunderbird II (Future Warpath) vs. Sundpot, Catseye vs Wolfsbane, well you get the point. It was the "flyers" that would decide; winner take all, Cannonball vs. Jetstream took to the air in a watered down version of the Danger Room. This part of the story climaxed in issue #17 with the original X-Babies the victors. I was never enamored by the wickedness of Emma Frost. I was interested more in her attire, after all I was 12 and Sal Buscema drew her better than the animators of Jessica Rabbit.
    The first villain that began to awe me was the Shadow King. Chris Claremont plotted this way in advance. Karma disappeared at the end of issue six and not did return until issue thirty one as an elephantine bloated mess. The New Mutants pitted themselves against super gladiators for their very survival before Farouk's control over Shan broke. Once Karma regained her composure from the defeated disembodied menace, she and her fellow teammates were whisked away to Asgard. Their attempted escape scattered the team through time and space and forced Shan to sweat it out in a dessert, save a young girl, and regain her svelte physique. By the end of the New Mutants Super Special Loki regretted ever meeting a mutant affiliated with Professor Charles Xavier. Even the Enchantress was taken down a notch and given to S'ym as a play thing.
    Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars dominated my influential years. I found Galactus imposing, strong, and indomitable; then treated like a fly by the all powerful Beyonder, a villain or a god like infant? I met Dr. Doom with his keen intellect rivaling Mister Fantastic. Owen Reece, the Molecule Man was also counted among the villains, his control over molecules even had the mighty Victor Von Doom feel fear. Crusher Creele, the Absorbing Man was a bad guy I remember from my coverless issue of Avengers #185. All of them were introduced to me very early into my collecting years, the months when I was must malleable, I could have chosen DC's Brother Blood over Marvels's Frank Dukes, the Blob.
    And yet I picked none of these for my #5 spot. It's the Mandarin I finally chose. His imposing being over a kneeling Ray Rhodes as he commands him to slice his neck after having him remove his helmet, a book I still want to acquire in a 9.8. His rings might just have been the prototype for what became the Infinity Gauntlet owned by Thanos, another original villain from Iron Man #55, also not good enough to make the top five spot.
    Number four on my Super Villain list was originally my first choice for number five, but my introduction to this celestial being was in one of my first trade paperbacks and not the originals, "The Dark Phoenix Saga". It was the Hellfire club along with Jason Wyngarde, Mastermind that helped Jean Grey snap. The Hellfire club was defeated, Jason became a human vegetable, and the Phoenix, in only a few issues changed from mutant messiah to Galactus' worst nightmare destroying a star and its five billion inhabitants. After returning to Earth her persona was restored, but it was too late, the Shi'ar were ready to judge and execute.
    I never had the original series, until well into my teens, and even a few in my early twenties. It came out when I was too young to walk to the 7-11 by myself. The story portrayed by Chris Claremont, Terry Austin, and John Byrne had me captivated from the beginning until Jean Grey allowed herself to be decimated on the Dark Side if the Moon...play Pink Floyd here.
    Next on the list at #3 came a long way from walking the street and getting his hands a little dirty is Wilson Fisk. His rise to the Kingpin of crime wasn't punctuated in the Amazing Spider-Man, although first introduced in issue #50. It was when Frank Miller took over Daredevil did you really see how a greedy fat man could wreck havoc among Super Heroes and be the worthy adversary he is today. Both Spider-Man and Daredevil would jump through the hoops that the great importer of fine Asian spices would throw at them.
    So how does a man without a conscious and an under active pituitary gland make the #3 spot beat out a man with ten powerful rings wrecking havoc all over Asia and a celestial being snuffing out a sun like a smoker would extinguish a match. I dare say without the Kingpin of crime, other villains like Bullseye, Elektra, Hobgoblin, Jack-O-Lantern, The Rose, Turk (yes Turk), Typhoid Mary, and many others never would have come to prominence without being under the employ of this gigantic man. Both Peter Parker and Matt Murdock would have had a lot more free time on their hands if it wasn't for Mr. Fisk.
    Wilson was never evil, just greedy, but his greed was as great as the Dark Phoenix was powerful. That along with his ability to set aside human compassion is what makes the Kingpin of Crime such a great villain for the illusionary power of the almighty dollar and the say whether a man lives or dies.
    With two slots left, this will be my longest journal yet. Normally I wonder if you're bored at this point, but I hope as you are reading this that a top five has seeped into your brain and are in fact either agreeing or disagreeing with my choices. I also don't want to make this a two part journal in case you think I changed my mind on my top two choices. So who can win over my first three? What being is envious of snuffing out five billion lives and would kill the other two without a spike in its artificial intelligence?
    I was always fascinated by Ultron. His calculated desire to kill all life failed time and time again by the Avengers, a team that was joined by its own creation, the Vision. And now we have the Age of Ultron, a story hinted at earlier on the pages of the Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis. The Marvel universe was finally laid waste by the cold logical hate of Hank Pym's worst failure. The introduction of Ultron (to me) happened the same time I found Galactus to be imposing in the classic Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1. The body of Ultron was smashed up against Galactus by the Molecule Man. The planet eater brought the Adamantium shell to eye level before absorbing the electrical life essence of the robot.
    The machine remained un-animated (I can't use the term lifeless, it never had life) until Dr. Doom reprogrammed the machine as his enforcer, one that the Absorbing Man didn't care about as long as he had a bed to sleep in. What would the universe be like if Ultron won the gifts of the Beyonder?
    Of course the Age of Ultron would be nothing but an Alternate universes worry if Llrrllllnnllyyrrl didn't consider the head of Ultron to be her dowry, not to mention if Benjamin Grimm would have just left it behind when he returned from Battleworld, leaving it to be destroyed. The Avengers were always there to defeat the A.I. and I'm looking forward

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  19. Tnerb

    Today is the Day

    By Tnerb,

    Or I better get more shifts
    I have my coupon books coming back to me. I have a copy of Daredevil #8 also on its way, more on that later. No today is the day I finally spread myself to thin. I am working on press credentials for Wizard World. I was thinking if anyone and everyone could sign off if you like when I write about these events than that would definitely help. I stopped writing for Comicbooked and would much rather continue here and in my blogs.
    I am going to risk a few books for signatures coming up at done events I won't make it to. A thank you for this opportunity goes out to Comics to Astonish and Twin City Auctions. Of course I am really risking not only my grades but my sense of financial stability. Then there is July.
    Last year I went on a cruise and really had an enjoyable week. This year I'm doing it again. I am going to spend some time in Hawaii and although I was going to make a nice purchase into the comic world I feel this would be do much better. After all don't we all need some time away.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    And a new endeavor
    http://tnerb-myfirstblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/eggs.html

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  20. Tnerb

    A New Set of Goals

    By Tnerb,

    Or one for me and one for me
    I am starting to sell any and all CGC books that I either collected by mistake or decided to no longer contribute with. This money is what will continue to allow me to collect CGC graded comic books. I mentioned that by the end of this year I wanted to have four hundred registered slabs, but how.
    I am going to continue upgrading my 9.8 New Mutants collection. Only two ate needed to finish this run, issues 58 and Annual 4. Do I dare attempt what Bagofleas did with issue #47 (please go read his description for that book and his whole New Mutants series). Then I am also going to start sending my original books in again, but this time only with the signature series. I liked what RonnyLama did with his Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76 and had it personalized. Should I do the same?
    Next I want to have all my Longshot signed by both writer and artists followed by (or maybe proceeded) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars in a 9.8 or better. Hey, Shivaboli, should I let you know when my birthday is?
    And of course I could have used the coupon for a better calibre comic book but the ones I chose were and are the pinnacle books (some of) that cultivated in me purchasing my first New Mutants #15. And then at WizardWorld Philadelphia I think I would like to get at least three more books signed by Stan Lee, these books are also lower graded but have been with me for a long long time.
    Then finally I want Daredevil #1-10 signed by Stan Lee and Amazing Spider-Man #119-129 in a SS 9.6 or higher but that all has to start with getting back the three invoices I currently have at CGC.
    So, where do I start?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  21. Tnerb

    Let's Be Crazy

    By Tnerb,

    Or These are the books I used my coupon for.
    For my coupon I sent in the worse possible comic books I had. I didn't look them over. I didn't try to grade them, but assumed that three of the four would get a .5 while the best of the four should have been no greater than a 1.8. In fact I felt that anything above what I thought the books would be would have me seriously question CGC's ability to grade and right now I am seriously questioning CGC?
    The first book, Crazy #3 has my nam filled out on the back cover and a partial address, I was probably about four and only knew the numerical portion. I also attempted to fill out another order form inside. The cover is detached, torn, and ripped. The inside pages are a mirror image of the outside cover. In fact the only good thing about the book were the staples: no rust. CGC graded this a 1.0, a full grade higher than I hoped. But I wonder did I have to rib out a page to be the grade I actually wanted: a .5.
    My next books comprised of Batman #313, Amazing Spider-Man #181, and Superman III Movie Special were even worse, I mean better. They were graded a 1.5. Out of the four excluding the movie special were books I always had, in other words although I can hypothesize how I got them, I just can't remember. There right up there with my memories of Fear #8, Sub-Mariner #38, and Tales of Suspense #97. The first two are lost, the latter might be my last Stan Lee signature I might be able to afford. These books are on the way back. I might call just to figure out how much worse they needed to be to get the .5 graded I wanted.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
     
    http://ashotofcomics.blogspot.com/2013/03/east-of-west-roundabout-review.html

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  22. Tnerb

    The Coupon Cometh

    By Tnerb,

    Or Standing at 15 days
    I have a premium membership. This is basically because I won a best copper set for my New Mutants set. This currently resides at number one in the rankings and if you only check out number one sets I beseech you to check out the number two of this set. It's worth it. Of course though winning the best copper set gave me a free coupon for four free grading's. The thing is what do I grade? Do I send in the very best that I have? And this is arguable; trust me when I say arguable because I argued with myself a lot over it. Do I send in my original New Mutants in the hopes of a high grade for the later ones, a low grade for the earlier ones perhaps?
    So I decided to send in the ones that meant something to me. Three are before my collecting days, and the fourth was a gift for a birthday. They are the worst of the worst. Three better be a guaranteed .5's. Yes you heard me, .5. The last should be no greater than a 1.8. I turned these over when I was at the ECCC. The coupons are on a fifteen day turn around time, or so they say. My Amazing Spider-Man received a 9.2. This was scheduled to be graded on Friday. My coupon followed, but not until Wednesday. Thursday they were in the grading area and I expect tomorrow (well later today) I shall have my answer.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Random Photo

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  23. Tnerb
    Or Hoping for a 9.6, expecting a 9.4, and getting a
     
     
    Warning Profanity AheadMy ASM #129 is Amazing, my #127 is no less so. Both of them gave me a stabilized corner to try to get a run of issues starting at #119 and ending at #129, the catch was they all had to be under CGC's signature banner and a 9.6. I saw a 9.6 ASM #128 on eBay before I left for ECCC but figured there was no way I could get it delivered before I left. I decided it would be one of the books I would diligently search for. All the books I found were outrageously priced for what I thought the condition was. The one I settled on was the cheapest and best for the value. I purchased the book from Comics to Astonish for $20.That night I pressed it. I did exactly as I was shown and gave it a flatter appearance hoping for a 9.6. And as much as I hoped it would get a 9.6 I was expecting a 9.4. At working day eleven the book was scheduled for grading (22-Mar-13:Friday) and by Monday (25-Mar-13) was in grading. I expected another few days, maybe Wednesday or Thursday for it to be shipped and to find out the grade. I didn't have to wait that long, my book is shipped and the grade was posted on the 26th,13 days in.I looked and thought...F#?K! 9.2, a lousy 9.2 (it's not lousy). I so wanted a 9.6, I was steadfast for a 9.4, but the 9.2 through me for a loop. Did I do something wrong? Did I over look a flaw? Did I expect too much or damage the book beyond what it originally was. Or is pressing just an illusion? I do have proof it works, my ASM #129 can attest to that. Even my New Mutants Annual #4 can attest to that.Thanks for ReadingTnerbPs. Remember, my ASM #129 started as a 9.2... The story will continue.
  24. Tnerb

    Eleven days Later

    By Tnerb,

    or My Amazing Spider-Man #128
    While I was in Seattle and worrying about my Amazing Spider-Man #129 I also wanted a copy of Amazing Spider-Man #128. This way I would have three books in a row that were signature series. I am hoping for all three to also be a 9.6. I chose the best looking book, which was surprisingly a great low price compared to some of the other dealers i looked at. I found this book ranged between 460 and $100, and every single one of them looked in worse condition then the one I bought for only $20. Thank you Comics to Astonish, it is no wonder I drove there just to look at the store. So before I sprout off recommendations for him let us get back to the book.
    The book was only $20 and most likely a 9.4. This is one of the books I decided to press. I wanted more knowledge and using a book that I thought was a 9.4 (Keegan did a well) I wondered would a pressing actually do anything. I did this myself, so then when I am done if it does not receive a 9.6 will I wonder if a professional administering the same non restorative technique (sorry Screenwriter3d). But if it hits a 9.6 I''l only need from #119 to #126 in a signature series 9.6 or higher.
    Money is tight or I would buy the 9.8 SS I have seen online for issue #126 but I forgot, I wanted to talk more about the turn around time and I have to get ready for work. On day eleven, that is working day eleven I noticed my book was scheduled for grading. I used the Standard tier and I was getting nervous that it would take longer, but her it is Monday and Day twelve the book is marked graded. Twelve days is not bad in their current situation.
    Of course I still have the coupon-ed invoice and three modern invoices, none of them fast track, that's ok though, because I am patient. I have Wizard World Philadelphia coming up and I wonder can I add twenty New Mutants like BagoFlease (NO cries my wallet) especially since I am thinking about treating myself to a trip, (and I have at least one book I would like to have Stan Lee sign) Yes a year after being away on a cruise, i think in July another one might be in my sites, hey, does anyone want to buy my doubles?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  25. Tnerb

    The Story Ends Here

    By Tnerb,

    or a Bit Personal
    The Story Ends Here
    Or a Bit personal
    It's been a long trek for my ASM #129. It had been graded a total of five times, has three signatures, and has changed grades twice, both for the better. I have written so much about this book and have it next to me while I write this. I'm gazing at it and as I have no proper display for it I am going to have to put it away with my other Amazing Spider-Man's. It's funny the signature I am most unhappy with is Stan Lee's. When the book came back a 9.4 with his scrawl on it, it was one of two, and that second one had such a better signature spot. If it was up and over a half an inch it would have been so much better, but that is nothing to regret. My Next journey is getting my New Mutants #15 signed by him, you know the 4.5 copy. I think this is a book since it is my book that I might, just might get everyone that was part of the book to sign it. I have to hurry up and think this now.
    Those people include and as mentioned:
    Stan Lee, Presentor:
    Chris Claremont, Writer: Achieved
    Sal Buscema, penciler:
    Tom Mandrake, finisher:
    Glynis Wein, colorist:
    Tom Orzechowski, letterer:
    Louise Jones, editor:
    Jim Shooter, top cat:
    The fact is, financially I don't know if I can afford it. The ASM #129 is a dream come true. Not just because of having all three signatures but because it is a sought after book. When I was younger and just getting into my comic books I was happy with my New Mutants, Iron Man, X-Men, And other multiple series. I purchased them for .60. I never understood how my cousin at Giants Sized X-Men and the early X-Men issues to boot, including 94 through 137 with random missing issues. He was younger than me and I was amazed at what he had. A friend around the corner, a school mate, and others that I knew had many more than me.
    I've kept collecting comic books a secret during my initial entry into the hobby. I don't know if it was shame, fear, or maybe because I didn't feel like my collection amounted to anything. I started to get whatever books I could. After my Bar-Mitzvah, I snagged a hundred dollars of my gifts and brought it to my closest comic book shop. I have been here before as young as the age of ten. I bought from the three for a dollar rack, mostly Richie Rich's and Casper. Secret Wars two was making an impact, possible a negative one, especially after the success of the first story. And although looking back I wish the proprietor would have stopped me and showed me the back issues I would most likely have snubbed him.
    The stack I had was only about $32, and I had a hundred dollar bill. I went back looking for more. By the time I was done, I paid a little over $70. Then t was the long trek home, not to mention if my Mom was home I would have to sneak it into the house. This same comic shop, about three or four years later, and a different household is where I found Daredevil #1 and this Amazing Spider-Man #129. The latter being the only comic book I read on an immaculate table other than the LongShot limited series. This book outlasted relationships, friendships, jobs, and homes. It stood by me and was read by me as my collection grew and morphed, not around it but with it. It then joined the illustrious club of being graded. I won't sicken you with details you might have already red, but for any newbie's you will find an extensive history of this book after I got it.
    I have made friends on this registry, not just acquaintances, or people to chat with, but friends, people I would open my home too. Surfer 99 (477) and I would jockey for position. He collected, what I consider the crème de la crop compared to my latest flavor. Then Bagofleas(167) who still to this day has the collection I would most want. Him and I are of the same age, although I am slightly older, the title that broke our virginity was the New Mutants, mine with issue #15, his was issue #32. But he has so much more I would love to follow in his footsteps.
    Lee K is another that has an amazing collection, and yet none of them is what I would go after...well, maybe I wouldn't go after. These collectors are a bit higher than me. Then there are the Big Boys, RonnyLama (49) and Shivabali (31). A place I know I will never achieve. I was fortunate to even see some beautiful books that belonged to one of the most kind and generous people I know; mind you he is a pretty decent shot in pool too. I hope to be at ECCC again with the trio of them in 2014 (Surfer99, Bagofleas hint hint). These two gentlemen are in the top 50. TOP 50. Oh, and Shivabali makes a great burger.
    But somehow I never felt inferior to these fellow collectors. They made me feel part of their world and part of the community. This community has grown and still even more people come I that I respect Screenwriter3d (567) who like me likes to write, both on the journals and elsewhere. And Kaholo1256 (1251) who looks for perfection on sketch books and any recent modern books, not to mention being overseas, thank you for serving. At the ECCC dinner I met some of the boardies, while I had a great time, it was not enough. One dinner could never be enough.
    So what am I getting at? Maybe I just want new members to know, most recently presenting his self on the journals meshuggah (1829). Welcome, I bid you all welcome, come in, the water's fine. Don't be shy, don't slink away, this hobby we have this wonderful hobby we have won't go away. Write Journals, add books. Enjoy. Conventions abound and late, very late, turnaround times, this hobby is great.
    Thanks for Reading,
    No really Thanks for this one and all the rest.
    Tnerb
    PS This whole journal got away from me. I wanted to write About my ASM #129 because so many people wished me well on that book. So many people wanted me to have the best things possible for me and whether they gave their well wishes or their amazing Karma, the journal morphed into something heartfelt.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.