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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    Today was the Day

    By Tnerb,

    After all this time.
    Today I did something for me. After my laundry, dishes, and bathroom cleaning I decided to organize my graded comic books. I now have eleven boxes of slabs. Most of the boxes are completely full, a few could hold one or two more and one lone box might be able to hold another ten.
    I have about another six that have to make it's way home to me but considering how long it has taken CGC I will patiently wait, especially since three are out for a special signing, a signing that still has to be set up. I guess I am just a glutton for punishment.
    Many of the books I did add to my registry increasing my rank. How long will that last? I have no idea. I could add a few more but I plan on selling those. I would also like to sell many of my duplicates after purchasing a signature series copy. Then three are the few that I hope to get back to a 9.8. The two books in question were 9.8's when I sent them for a signing but came back a 9.4. I am slightly disappointed in that.
    It feels good to have eleven boxes filled. Now it is time to save some money. October will be here before I know it and I do want to head to the NYCC in October.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
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  2. Tnerb

    There's an App for that

    By Tnerb,

    http://www.collectors-society.com/news/ViewArticle.aspx?IDArticle=2890&mobile-app-coin-details
    The CGC registry is part of a larger conglomerate. It also consists of NGC and PMG making up the trinity. My web browser short cut goes straight to the CGC registry aspect, but every now and then for my full Collector Society news I click the "all" section placed in the upper left hand side. This will give me various headlines of what's coming up next in any of the three Collector Society areas. What caught my eye and made me feel envious, or more like a red headed step child before my daily beating was the news that NGC just released its first mobile App and after reading about it, I want it...for CGC.
    I hope this is in the works because I am still waiting for the collection manager to make its way over to CGC that NGC has. I have been waiting patiently for this aspect to cross over to the better part of collecting, let us face it Numismatics collecting comics is just as cool as collecting coins. I have noticed more journals being written on the NGC side then here at The CGC side, as well as less griping about turnaround times but that is no reason to leave us behind. Will this mobile App ever make the transition? Do we have to sit back and drool over what they have while they lord it over us or is this because the coin collectors can't get a signature series.
    I want something I can scan directly with my phone. I want to be able to add a comic book to my collection once I buy it. I use Collectorz software as my primary program to keep track of my collection. I purchased this because they had an App for that. I just wish they had a category strictly for graded comic books. Maybe a CGC mobile App will allow me to show off my collection as two separate entities between my numerous raw books and my growing CGC collection, not to mention easier for my insurance documentation.
    C'mon CGC, I want a mobile App too.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  3. Tnerb

    Baltimore Cometh

    By Tnerb,

    Looking forward to my first Comic Convention in Baltimore.
    Every year I attend the Philadelphia Comic Con... multiple times. I go to this six hour show so much I consider it a monthly event (actually it is about ten times a year). 2011 was the first time I attended two major comic conventions, Wizard World Philadelphia and the NYCC. This year I have attended a few Philadelphia Comic Con's along with Wizard World Philadelphia 2012 and am now looking forward to my first Baltimore Comic Con.
    The Baltimore Comic Con will be held at The Baltimore Convention center. Stan Lee will be the head line star followed by other greats such as Neal Adams, Bob Mcleod, Tom Brevoot, J.G. Jones, and well quite frankly a slew of others. This two day event is fast approaching and rooms in local hotels filled up so quick my companion had to think creatively for our room accommodations. As with last year at my first NYCC I was excited about not knowing what to expect, the Baltimore Comic Convention is no exception.
    One of my favorite comic book shops, Comics to Astonish, also located in Baltimore will be in attendance. CGC will be on hand to accept comic books to bring back to Sarasota, Florida for grading, and Matt Nelson will be on hand offering his services as well. I mention these because this is where I plan on spending my hard earned cash as I look around each vendor to find out how third party grading has changed the industry.
    This will be the thirteenth year for the Baltimore Comic Con, the first Baltimore Comic-Con was held in the Sheraton Hotel as a one day Convention in the Baltimore suburb of Towson. A couple years later the convention outgrew its residence and moved to the Baltimore Convention Center as well as expanding to a two day event. I only wonder now with other conventions expanding to four days, will this convention expand to three.
    I even became surprised and overjoyed when I found in my e-mail that Valiant would now be attending. The one thing I always loved about cons were that the publishers were there telling me about the new stuff coming out and although the big two only appear in certain conventions I have always loved Jim Shooter's Valiant universe and this new Valiant seems to be doing what he dreamed, creating good comic books with good art and good stories.
    Tickets are still available for either two day admissions or single day admittance. All tickets will be electronic; a print out of your registration using a barcode and photo ID will be needed to gain entrance to the show for those not purchasing a VIP pass, Stan Lee will be posing for pictures and signing autographs for an additional fee. For more information on tickets and a full guest list please visit http://baltimorecomiccon.com/. Hope to see you there.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Random Photo Below

  4. Tnerb

    Why do I collect?

    By Tnerb,

    Time, money, and space... but what do I gain?
    I been cleaning for the past few hours. I should be asleep but I have to get certain things done, like laundry. On this dreary Tuesday, the rain outside stops and starts. It is more a torrential down pour than anything else. I sit and listen as the rain pounds against my window when I have the sudden urge to eat and there is nothing edible in the house. It is one of the pitfalls of working at a diner.
    The one thing I did get to accomplish more than anything else was I got to hang some of my artwork including one of my favorite pieces. I still have a few more things to hang up along with my original pages from New Mutants #15. I even recently placed some items on e-Bay in hopes I can generate some money for the comic con in Baltimore I decided to go to. I am also trying to save money as well.
    I want to thank Ronnylama as well for his journal. It was much appreciated. I have made friends here and for that I am grateful. Throughout the years of collecting I always wondered why am I buying these things? Why do I go to the store every Wednesday to buy more and my most horrid question is what do I get rid off to keep more of these four color books.
    I have talked about CGC on these journals more times than I have not but I also get personal. My stories have evolved into articles while my articles have devolved into gibberish. SO what am I getting at...I have no idea but I think, just maybe the seafood place that happens to be in walking distance seems like a good idea...rain or no rain.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Is anyone going to the Baltimore Comic Con?

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  5. Tnerb

    My 132, My 137

    By Tnerb,

    Ultra rare non variant CGC mislabeled book cause e-Bay prices to soar.
    At Wizard World Philadelphia 2012, I decided not only to get some signatures for books I previously had graded, but I also decided to use Classics Incorporated to get some of my comic books pressed. Pressing is something I am still at odds about, but apparently not against. My best result was an issue of Daredevil that I purchased at the same show. After getting my books back, one of the things I didn't notice right away was my copy of Uncanny X-men #132... I mean #137.
    The book in question was purchased at the first LCS I was loyal to. This was in the late eighties. I decided to buy this comic after I purchased my first two trade paperbacks, The Dark Phoenix Saga and Demon in a Bottle. I loved both stories but it was Chris Claremont's writing, the combined artwork of John Byrne and Terry Austin, along with the characters that made me desire the back issues between #129 and #137. This was especially difficult to do, not only because their popularity had them priced a bit higher than I wanted to pay, but my mindset was against paying so much. I was naïve (which is a nice way to call myself stupid).
    As I got deeper into collecting CGC slabs I wanted these issues again in a 9.8, but was always outbid or the prices were too high in the first place. I decided to go through my collection and pick the best one and bring it to Wizard World Philadelphia 2012. While at the convention I picked up a copy of Daredevil #3 and used Matt Nelson of Classics Incorporated to press the book. I added the Daredevil along with about 16 others from home.
    I was doing this for a few reasons; one was to see the results and the more I had to use as a reference about pressing the better informed I would be. Of course the other reason could probably be attributed to my slight addiction to slabs. Even so, I was more than happy to turn over what I thought were my best chances of getting a near mint/mint grade but, in no way did I ever think my Uncanny X-Men book would get a 9.8.
    After the on-site pressing and the on-site grading were finished, (money well spent) my copy of Uncanny X-men #137 was returned to me a 9.4. I could live with that, in fact I was ecstatic. A month later I finally put my encapsulated books in order by title and number when I realized the mistake that CGC had made. There, as plain as day, on the beautiful crisp blue label was the information for issue #132, this iconic cover where Cyclops and Marvel Girl fight for the last time clash against the wrong information. I have seen some errors on e-Bay try to go for a premium price and as much as I thought it would be neat to have one of those mistakes I didn't want to pay what people want for them. Now only if I can get them to grade my #132 as #137.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

  6. Tnerb

    Pedigree of Pedigrees

    By Tnerb,

    or Why did HA.com sell Doug Schmell's Comic books?
    I have all my USPS deliveries sent to my Father's home. This includes any postal mail from Heritage Auctions, like the latest flyer that showcased the Doug Schmell/PedigreeComics.com collection. I expected CGC to make a notation on the label when I see a book advertised as a pedigree, but what makes this collection a pedigree? Many of my graded New Mutants are from the Golden State Collection. This pedigree notation was not marked on the label but marked on the slab by a golden sticker.
    The scans on the advertisement have no such notation, after some minor research I realized this isn't so much a pedigree collection as much as it is a collection of pedigrees which include Pacific Coast, Twin Cities, and White Mountain to name a few. At the moment I cannot afford any of the books on auction (if I ever will). Of course the Daredevil #1 and #7 are both books I would love to upgrade. Why is Heritage Auctions selling off a collection that could easily be sold on the above mentioned PedigreeComics.com, and then there is the question who is Doug Schmell anyway? I tried to find some answers.
    Heritage Auctions mentions Schmell, the owner of PedigreeComics.com, has been putting his high-grade collection together for more than 20 years. A successful comic collector and dealer, he carefully and deliberately selected Heritage when it came time to let go of his personal collection. Doug reveals "After watching Heritage become, by far, the world's largest comics auction house, I knew that it was the perfect choice for me to sell my private collection to realize the highest prices and have no conflict for the consigners on my site, PedigreeComics.com."
    I don't know Doug Schmell. I knew of his name by the many times I would peruse the PedigreeComics.com website when I was trying to find books to complete my New Mutants collection. The home page shows a nice notation that he won the CGC award for achievement in comics back in 2006. On the registry he goes under the name Captain Tripps and was ranked #2 before the auction ended. A registry member added two different journals on the CGC Collectors Society journal boards about who Doug Schmell is. After reading the first journal and then reading the second (which was a legal document) I had a good idea at the mistakes this man made, which caused his disbarment for embezzling funds from his clients (not to offend anyone but I use the term mistake not to hide the criminal conduct but because I do not have the full amount of facts).
    Steve Borock, Senior consignment Director at Heritage Auctions, previously a President of Collectible Group LLC knows him a little better "I've watched Doug piece together this fantastic collection across the more than 20 years I've known him, and already knew that the collection was amazing. When I went to look at the entire collection as a whole, and saw just how expansive it was, I knew I was looking upon a thing of amazing beauty".
    Did Doug Schmell use the misappropriated funds to purchase a house, lavish trips, some nice cars, or even a few old comic books? Was the choice to use Heritage Auctions actually some kind of legal loop hole or was he forced to use a rival auction site? It's not like comic books of this caliber could ever be sold on e-Bay. Are these comic books being sold because he wants to sell them or because some repercussions from his disbarment is forcing him to sell them, or were the comic books never an issue because let's face it, how much is a comic book anyway?
    CGC was only around for about six years during the time Doug Schmell went through his legal battles. 2006 was not only the same year that Douglas Schmell was disbarred, but he also won the award from CGC for Achievement in comics. Comics have yet to hit over a million dollar, the first one only happened last year. I couldn't even tell you when the first comic passed the $100,000 mark. Without trying to get into Doug Schmell's head on the why of his legal issues but, why get rid of such a great collection?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. For the full article from Heritage...
    http://comics.ha.com/c/press-release.zx?releaseId=2231&ic=rightcolumn-schmell-071012

  7. Tnerb

    Really Cool

    By Tnerb,

    More than just bragging rights
    OK, so I missed out on getting a copy of the Marvel Graphic Novel #4 in a 9.8 condition. Eventually another one will show (I Hope). I still need two more to complete the set that are not available in a 9.8 at all. This too will eventually change. The question is whether I get them or not. If they come up in an auction style I have already promised BagoFleas that I would let him bid on it, between the both of us that bid would get pretty damn high.
    I know letting him do this (and I would let him know about the auction) would take away my first place holding but at the moment not only do I have the 2012 best presented set I also have the coveted best Copper set(1 of 3).
    As I woke yesterday I checked my e-mail and noticed two messages from the registry. One stated about my congratulations and the other telling me what I won. I knew I would be getting a premium membership and I knew this came with free grading coupons but I didn't know this came with a plaque. A smile erupted across my face.
    Now, I wonder, is it possible to do this two years in a row?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
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  8. Tnerb

    What I did Get

    By Tnerb,

    I lost one one, but I won on three.
    It was luck that I ever found the Marvel Graphic Novel #4 but after losing it might have been better if I never won. I did however win the first book I decided to get. Of course the reason why I placed the bid was it co-starred the New Mutants. I never read the book and my first foray into the New Defenders was towards their end, right before X-Factor was to begin. Issue #129 was my first win.
    There were a few other books I decided to place a bid on, a very nominal bid. This was how I won Kitty Pryde and Wolverine issues #2 and #3. This was series I was thinking about collecting as soon as I finished my Longshot set. Money was always an issue and now at winning each one at $16 a piece, well, how can I pass that up. of course this destroyed my only one CGC book a month, but let's face it I never thought I would make it to this late in July before I caved.
    I have no idea what is next. I might just pick through individual issues that mean something rather than trying to complete any sets. Small sets are easier and I would really like to complete my X-Infernus set with the number one second print variant I need. I just added a Signature Series upgrading it from the universal copy I had graded.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  9. Tnerb
    In the eighties, if it was a number one, it was something new.
    The one thing I absolutely loved as a new reader, and as a budding comic book collector, was the little notations in the corner of the panel that the writer left for us. If we wanted to know more about what was going on, an asterisk (*) next to a word brought this to our attention (usually in a word balloon or thought bubble)*. I was introduced to this method in my first comic book, The New Mutants. It was in issue #15. The center panel had Illyana Rasputin using her astral form to check on her friend Kitty Pryde at the Massachusetts Academy. I was starting this series and figured out this notation was there as a hint to read somewhere else (in this case it was the lower right hand side of the same panel). The small blurb let me know if I wanted to find out more about the missing X-Men I had to read Uncanny X-Men #180 and Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1. Uncanny X-Men #180 was already out, (I purchased it the day after I purchased New Mutants #15) but I had to wait just a little bit longer until I saw the (now classic) cover of the first #1 I would ever get.
    I was twelve years old and although I read comic books for the past seven years (my first one was a copy of Star Wars) it was Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars that introduced me to characters that I never knew before. I probably read that book every day until issue #2 came out, which by this point I also continued other series. I even added a few more books to my reading list to find out more about the characters I learned about from the Secret Wars. With the small allowance I had I wanted to buy everything and anything and they were only sixty cents a book. I tried a few DC books but it was Marvel that grabbed my attention and over the next year I continuously read what I liked expanding my collection every week by purchasing from my local 7-11. I didn't get back issues, I didn't have the ability, but I followed the story lines without the benefit of starting over with a number one.
    Issues #221 and #223 were my first Daredevil issues. I wasn't impressed so I dismissed this as a book I would collect until my LCS guy showed me the back issue bins and told me either Watchman or the Daredevil Miller years when I asked for a recommendation. I stuck with Marvel and picked Daredevil. There were three books that were $3 a piece; I picked the nicest of the three covers. I believe it was issue #171. I eventually picked up every issue between and including #158 until #191. Once again, I didn't need to start at a number one (they had an origin recap in issue #164). Daredevil was eventually cancelled with #380, at this point the book was dismal and one of the few remaining titles I did collect before finances stopped me from continuing my collection. It was almost a relief that they were putting to pasture one of my favorite books.
    Marvel started Daredevil over again with a new number one (34 years after the first one), and it was only a month between the publication dates between issue #380 and the new #1. Did Joe and Kevin demand that they start over with a number one? Were their egos so large that Marvel listened to their demands? Did Marvel feel their readers were too stupid or just naive that there were another 380 issues of story out there? Then after another 119 issues (some good, some great), they decide to just go back to the numbering system with 500. WTF? Why did Marvel feel the need to go back to such a milestone number when technically it should have been issue #120 not #500, even though 500 sounds so much better. After getting to issue number 512 they gave the title to the Black Panther with issue 513 (this series has since been cancelled) and started Daredevil over again with a limited series and (get this) a new number one.
    Why do comic book companies feel that a person won't understand what is going on in issue #512 and expect them to know which number one to pick up? Not to mention picking up issue #513 and asking where Daredevil is? There are three issue number ones now, not to mention other side limited series that allow a new reader to be introduced to the character. (I recommend the Man without Fear in this case). So where does a new reader start with the current comic market place strategy in place?
    There is something special to me as a collector having a full series. Having all 100 issues of The New Mutants was easy. I started with issue fifteen, found the first fourteen and just collected until they cancelled it. Daredevil however has been a much more tedious journey. As of this writing I only need issue #2 out of over 500 issues. I feel like I have accomplished something. I would have loved for issue 600 to be in my future (and is The Amazing Spider-Man really hitting 700 or is that just issue 36 volume 2 sub txt 314?). Will they once again revert to the old numbering system to only have another number one? Dark Horse started with #1's all the time but at least they are only running limited series. If you happen to be Marvel or DC, leave the numbers alone. It is significant that you arrived at this number. If you want new readers, give them a limited series and let them figure out if they like the character and if so then they have an abundance to choose from, even more than I ever did.
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb
    (*) Word Balloon and thought bubbles are the most common means a writer gets his point across while telling a story and wants to convey what the character is saying or thinking. See...even here the asterisk works. The internet equivalent to this is just to click on the highlighted word, phrase, or picture.
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  10. Tnerb

    Just not Enough

    By Tnerb,

    Was it time or money that I ran out of?
    It was there, it was finally there. I had the chance to get a copy of Marvel Graphic Novel #4. Sure, I have one of these in a 9.4 signed by Chris Claremont and Bob Mcleod but for my collection I am dying to get on in a 9.8. The last one that sold, not including the one I lost, was in 2009. Since I started to collect, this is one of the issues that I was pining for.
    I was bidding in the bathroom at work using my Smartphone and after placing a bid I saw it was not enough. I was the previous high bidder. It told me to hit the back button and with fifteen seconds left I thought I would have time, but I received an error message and then by the time I got to where I needed to be the fifteen seconds had elapsed. The final result was I lost.
    The consolation prize was the 9.4 I mentioned was delivered on Monday. Sure it is only a 9.4 but it is a signature series 9.4. So until anyone wants to sell me there copy of Marvel Graphic Novel #4, if and when I see it again I am bidding high.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  11. Tnerb
    I actually made it.
    I was hoping and praying I would win one of these awards. I tried taking as many quality pictures as I could until time was running out. Even after I was finished I had some critique on my set which brought down my hopes. I didn't mind the critique and for all those that did, i thank you. It is that criticism that i hope to have the best presented set for next year. Until then I will have to be happy with not only the best in set for 2012 but one of the three Best Copper Age Set for 2012.
    I did get a few other ribbons. Some really don't matter because I have the only set but I am happy about the Longshot and Ka-Zar the Savage. The one that I was really hoping for is X-Infernus which I do plan on having for next year. I have slowed down my collecting some, not only because money is an issue but I really have to decide where my collection is going to take me. I am going to try to get the first ten Daredevil's all in a Signature Series by Stan Lee.
    Either way I do want to thank anyone and everyone who has taken the time to comment or send me a message through the boards. At a time when collecting became questionable I thought I would just quit. This hobby became fun again.
    Thanks for Reading
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  12. Tnerb

    Oh No! Not Again!

    By Tnerb,

    When will the number one craze end or I blame the Nineties
    I have been a collector for almost thirty years but with all these #1's happening I just might quit. Stop trying to get new readers with gimmicks rather than keep older readers with story and content. As a long term collector I am tired. I am tired of the "do-over" on long running titles; I am tired of a re-launched title. I don't see why they can't just get a new artist and writer and begin a new story arc with the next number. As a business I understand that if a title doesn't do well that if might be more beneficial to cancel it but I don't understand why these companies think that because they start over with #1 that they might garnish a few new readers. Movies like the Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Batman will bring new readers in. Good stories and good art will bring new readers in. Free comic book day will bring new readers in. So why do companies like Marvel and DC think just because they throw #1 on the cover that new readers will automatically read it?
    The numbers of the comics that captured me as a young reader were 15, 180, 38, and 244. The titles are not important but as you can see not one of these was a number one. After reading these enclosed in my room I didn't think I will never get the story, it's pointless to collect, or why can't they start with #1. No, I decided on the ones I enjoyed and would go find them. I went back to the convenience store and picked up the 14, 179, and 243. And then magically enough when the next numbers came out I bought them too. I was engrossed and enthralled by everything between and including the covers of the comic book.
    I am not a fan of DC. Yes, I loved the Superman movie back when I was a kid with Christopher Reeve. I love the new Batman Movies now. I even collected some titles in the Eighties and Nineties. So when they decided to start this new 52 program I decided I would start with four new titles a week. That never happened. Even with #1 on the cover, if I didn't like the insides of the books I opted out. The Teen Titans was a book I decided to pick up and did. This was a title that I tried when I was younger with minor success (I still remember the villainy of Brother Blood).
    Recently DC had their annuals and crossed over with a few other books so when I picked up the Teen Titans annual I was lost. It would have been better if I never picked it up at all. And the consequence was I dropped the title.
    Now Marvel decides to play along the same lines. When cancelling a title becomes more of a marketing ploy then a good business decision I have to question who is hurting more, the publisher's, the retailer's, or the fan's? I loved when they brought back the New Mutants, and it was good, but then somehow it changed and never picked up the steam this title could have. Now it is on the chopping block. Didn't they also just start The Uncanny X-men with #1? Sure, the Uncanny Avengers are coming but how long will that truly last. I feel cheated as a fan and as a collector. Oh wait I just heard Cosmopolitan is starting over at number one, I better go get it.
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
    Tnerb
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  13. Tnerb
    Sorry Gemma, this was too long for just another thread on the boards.
    My favorite set is the New Mutants (1983). This set has 109 issues contained within; including The Marvel Graphic Novel #4, all 100 issues, 7 annuals, and the spectacular Art Adams rendered Special Edition #1. Each issue from #2 through #85 is worth 25 points. Issues #1 and #85 through #99 are 35 points each. These statistics are for books graded a 9.8 regardless of page quality; this does not include annuals, specials, and a few exceptions (16, 87, 88, 98, and 100).
    Issue #98 was one of the books that took me a long time to purchase. This book fetches a premium price which comparatively is way too much for a book that is plentiful in a
    9.8. There are currently 873 9.8's out of 2801 copies graded. I still had other (cheaper) issues to get, issues that were a bit scarcer. Number 98 was also worth only 35 points when I first started collecting this set. This was the same comic that introduced Gideon, Domino (Copycat), and the little known Deadpool. This book has since been amended to 120 points.
    Between 1983 and 1991 (8 years) The New Mutants had several first appearances but not limited to Magma (disguised in issue #8, as Amara Aquilla in issue #9, and as Magma in issue #10), Warpath (formerly Thunderbird II, issue #16), and Cable (issue #87); including Selene the Black Queen (issue #9), Warlock (issue #18), while fighting such villains as The Sentinels (issue #2), The Silver Samurai (issue #6), and the Shadow King (issues#31-#34). They teamed up with the motorcycle group Team USA (issue #5), Cloak and Dagger (Issues #22-#25) and The Star Jammers (issues #50 and #51). The team was even killed (issue #37) and brought back to life (outside the set) by the Beyonder. This series is credited as the first X-Men spin-off and yet it is treated with less respect than George Lucas' (Executive Producer) "Howard the Duck".
    The Uncanny X-men spanning the same years have a point range between 80 points (approximately issue #167) to 60 points (approximately issue #275) per a graded 9.8 issue, once again not including certain issues (e.g. issues #201 and #266). There are even modern age books that have fewer sets per title (Locke & Key) with a higher point value. The algorithm is supposed to take into account of how many sets there are. How does "Locke & Key" with 42 sets warrant 32 points on a 9.8 non variant cover compared to the New Mutants (1983) with 157 sets at 25 points an issue (not including previous mentioned issue numbers). Volume three of the same title started in 2009, each issue of this set is worth between 24 and 32 points depending on a regular or variant cover. How is a title separated by two volumes and almost twenty years (from the end of Volume 1 and the beginning of Volume #3) have a marginal point difference?
    My copy of X-Infernus is a Gem Mint (10.0). Using the unknown formula, this issue is worth 40 points on the registry. I feel this is fair for a book from 2009. Bagofleas has a copy of New Mutants #1 in the same condition (1 of 2 that exist and if you own the second one I am interested). How is it possible that this book is worth only 60 points? First off the book is a #1 that was released fresh off the success of Marvel Graphic Novel #4 (six printings). Second off, the book was released in March of 83' (almost 30 years old) and should be worth 160 points at least; 240 would be ideal.
    Here are some examples from the same era. I will use issues #1 and #2 to prove my point. I will list the point value of each 9.8 followed by the difference in parenthesis between that title and The New Mutants (1983). I will also list how many sets each of those titles have:
    Dazzler has 26 sets;#1 is@160 points (125);#2 is@120 points (95)
    Transformers has 83 sets;#1 is@120 points(95);#2 is@80 points(55)
    G.I.Joe has 118 sets:#1 is@220 points(185);#2 is@200 points(175)
    The above titles I can understand their points per issue. What I can't understand is why The New Mutants are not up between Dazzler and G.I. Joe in the points scale. Then there are the following three that utterly confuse me on how the algorithm works, not to mention how do they have more points per a book than my favorite set?
    Droids has 10 sets; #1 is @160 points (125);#2 is @96 points (71)
    Ewoks has 6 sets; #1 is @120 points (95); #2 is @ 96 points (71)
    The above two could be linked to Star Wars, hence why they might have a higher point value, so I can almost understand, but this last example is proof of what a misrepresentations the algorithm could be. Heathcliff has one set. This single set also happens to be devoid of any issues. Issue #1 however is listed has having 56 points for a graded 9.8 copy while there is no point value for issue #2. Are you seriously telling me that Heathcliff has a higher point value than the New Mutants #1? Heathcliff #1 has six books graded in a 9.8 (out of the ten that are graded) while the New Mutants #1 has 333 graded in a 9.8 (out of the 586 that are graded). Six of those 586 are higher than a 9.8.
    Of course stating all this and any changes made to this set by CGC would probably have me lose my #1 status with just the changes to issue #1 alone, but it would be worth it if the New Mutants (1983) would be corrected. Are there any sets that you own that you feel should be changed? I understand that there is a thread for sets that should be corrected but I am more of a journal kind of guy. What are your thoughts?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. Of course I could be just rambling
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  14. Tnerb

    Going on Vacation

    By Tnerb,

    No comics for one week? What Now?
    My bags are almost packed. My camera batteries are charged and ready. I purchased larger capacity memory cards and have even...GASP... passed on buying some graded comic books. I try telling myself that I only passed because of the trip but the honest answer is I am still standing by the guidelines I have set for myself last year.
    I also find myself having to use the money I have been saving for Wizard World Philadelphia 2012. At the moment the 7 hundred I have saved is looking pretty good to bring with me. I know I might be able to save another four hundred between the time I get back and the convention itself, but it looks like this is the first year I will have less than $1500 to bring, not to mention although I have already applied for my press pass I have decided to spend the money and purchase the Stan Lee meet and greet tickets.
    I still have a few more days of work and watching myself approach back up to 500 is killing me, since I promised myself no books. I have one more I can add when I get it since i sent it out through someone else. I already added the DD 7 and X-men 10, which, with my new camera I will take pictures of and post. With my Quarter experiment done and gone, and a new water jug experiment about to begin I hope that the next few books I decide to get are not only worth it to me as a collector, but worth a whole lot of points as well.
    So, Until I get back...
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
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  15. Tnerb
    The final tally is...
    The following were all graded at Wizard World Philadelphia. These were my grades
    Daredevil Vol. 1 #3 9.0 Signature Series with Stan Lee
    Aquaman Vol. 7 #6 Sketch edition Universal 9.8
    (2) Grimm Fairy Tales #59 (convention edition) both receive a 9.8
    Locke & Key: Clockworks #1 received a 9.8
    Ultimatum #3 Variant cover received a 9.6
    World War Hulk #1 Aspen Variant Cover Receive a 9.8
    X-Infernus #1 Variant Cover received a 9.8
    Daredevil Vol. 1 #380 received a 9.8
    Daredevil v2 #119 received a 9.8
    New Mutants #47 (my original copy) received an 8.0
    New Mutants #90 (my original copy) received a 9.8
    New Mutants #89 (my original copy) received a 9.6
    Sandman #3 (vertigo) received a 9.8
    X-Men #132 (Before they entitled it Uncanny) received a 9.4
    Ultimate Avengers 3 #1 (variant cover) received a 9.8
    and
    New Mutants #54 and I am happy to say received a 9.8
     
    I do have three more at CGC. One is a copy of the Graphic Novel which needed one more signature and I also dropped off a copy of the New Teen Titans #26 for George Perez and a copy of New Mutants #6 with Bob McLeod. I did recently purchase another Ka-Zar to the fold but that doesn't count till it gets here. I have to say I am very happy with my grades and am slightly more willing to drop off a couple more when Wizard World arrives in Philadelphia because the onsite grading is a lot better than waiting.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
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  16. Tnerb
    In January I hid them
    In the beginning of the year I hid my New Mutants collection because i wanted to work on taking pictures. What I wanted to do and what I did were two different things. I got busy as things tend to happen with life but with the deadline looming for the best set I am rushing to add pictures to every slot.
    The back cover slot I decided at first to add the signatures so they can be viewed easier. The thing is I don't have signatures for every single one. SO instead I decided to add random photos of some of my things as well as the past two Wizard Worlds. I would love some advice on this because I do love this set and hope to improve upon it.
    I am happy to say I need only two more. These two do not currently exist in a 9.8. I hope that someday soon they will. My latest acquisition of a New Mutants #54 was due to the generosity of RonnyLama who found such a pristine copy he thought he might garnish that coveted grade. I hope to be back into writing more and more journals but I am thankful that so many others are adding their own input.
    To all that are hoping to win a best in set...Good Luck.
    Please check out my New Mutants set because I would love to hear how to make it better.
    Thanks for Reading
    PS. Once again the back cover pics are random pics of mine.
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  17. Tnerb

    5 Boxes Purchase

    By Tnerb,

    What a time at Wizard World
    5 Boxes Purchase
    By: Tnerb
    Posted: 6/4/2012 5:32:36 PM | Views:0
    What a time at Wizard World
    I have to say I could have bought so many more things during this convention and will run down a list of the things I did. One thing I knew I would need was boxes. I originally thought that three would be a great number. I decided on five, after all I was getting some of my books graded.
    After taking them home through public transit I left them on the floor and went to eat. Jen and I had a tiring day and food we deemed was what was needed. I bought these on Day one along with one other purchase. I didn't put the boxes together until Friday, a little after I woke up. I put one together and filled it. The second won was filled in the equal amount of time as the second. The third only slightly slower because the books I used them were in two different places.
    The fourth box I filled the next day and the fifth was filled today (Monday) with everything bought. Mind you some of the books I did get graded are strictly for sale and some others are for me. I hoped to get 9.8's and I did. The money I get from them will go back into my collection, maybe a Daredevil #2.
    This is what I got graded.
    Daredevil Vol. 1 #3
    Aquaman Vol. 7 #6 Sketch edition
    (2) Grimm Fairy Tales #59 (convention edition)
    Locke & Key: Clockworks #1
    Ultimatum #3
    World War Hulk #1 Aspen Variant Cover
    X-Infernus #1 Variant Cover
    Daredevil Vol. 1 #380
    Daredevil v2 #119
    New Mutants #47 (my original copy)
    New Mutants #90 (my original copy)
    New Mutants #89 (my original copy)
    Sandman #3 (vertigo)
    X-Men #132 (Before they entitled it Uncanny)
    Ultimate Avengers 3 #1 (variant cover)
    and
    New Mutants #54
    I also had some purchased for me as a gift. Those are already added to my registry. Did anyone else go to Wizard World Philly? I would love to hear about it. I for one, will write more later.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  18. Tnerb
    SO much with so little.
    I met Stan Lee, twice, times two. OK Technically I met and shook the man's hand twice. I got one book with his signature. I picked up a Daredevil #3 for this honor, which means I only need a number two to finish the series. I of course took the photo op and have so much to write about I don't want to get into everything in one journal. I had another 18 books graded which I was going to stay at ten. Let's face it, if you are reading this chances are you might just be as addicted as I am.
    I purchased three books, all Daredevil issues. I should have these added to my collection soon. I know that it will be awhile to get the other nineteen processed but I hope that this will propel me back into the four hundreds. Some of the books I just might sell, actually I will try to sell if they hit the 9.8 status. If they don't??? Who knows?
    I was able to see a few people that I have many times before, one was Keegan from Comics to Astonish who helped me in the past with some graded books. He let me keep my stuff at his booth which cut down the time I had to spend travelling to my father's to drop off all my stuff I didn't feel like carrying. For Zombies was there, which is a small little thing my best friend is putting together. If you have some time I recommend going to you tube and checking out his little flick "Brewing for Zombies".
    Tomorrow is the next day so I hope I give you good news on the grades. Wish me luck.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS? Did I mention I met Stan Lee
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  19. Tnerb
    Getting ready for four days off of work
    The first day of Wizard World 2011 had the dates for Wizard World Philadelphia 2012. After taking off from work for the 2011 con, I requested off for the 2012 event right after I returned to work. I was told to remind them when the dates got closer, so I did, in January, March, April, and yet again in May. Once those days were assured I purchased my Stan Lee tickets. Mind you I was already going to the event for free. I am trying to interview the man through some sources but at the very least I want to have the pleasure of saying I met Stan Lee.
    I am also sharing this event with someone. In essence I am taking away her convention virginity. I have been going since 2007, making the 2012 event my sixth year. I think my rookie status has been abolished. This will even be the first year my best friend will have a booth with one of his loves (not beer) For Zombies. If you will be at Philadelphia, please check them out, after all they are free. Be careful, they may bite.
    I would like to eventually add a few more stops to my convention want list including Chicago, Toronto, and New Orleans to name a few and not necessarily in that order. If the person I am going with enjoys this con I just might have a partner in crime. I hope to see it through her eyes from time to time; to see it with her energy and vibrancy would be rejuvenating.
    Over the past few months I have relentlessly pursued the completion of my New Mutants Collection in a CGC grade of 9.8. There are a few others that I want to purchase but am unsure if I want to start something I might never finish. I hope a week from now that many of you reading this will be reading about everything I have bought not to mention had graded. I would love to find out your thoughts about Wizard World 2012. To do this please follow me and message me @CGCLee for updates as I stand in line, buy comic books, have books graded, and meet Stan Lee.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
  20. Tnerb

    I Miss Writing

    By Tnerb,

    What a month
    This past Mothers Day Weekend I worked. I have worked Mothers Day weekend before but never like this. The 72 hours that were available to work had me for 48 of those hours. I made some extra money for the upcoming convention but I sacrificed a lot. One of the biggest things was being able to write.
    The past month I stepped in for another manager who had a family emergency back home. And home for him is rather far away. I stepped into that degrade position. As a waiter I can write and edit in my down time. As a manager I can do neither. I heard the manager will be back on the 15th so I guess after jet lag and all that my last day managing will be this Wednesday.
    The other problem I here is that thee others are going on vacation and I am hoping this will not become full time, unless they cut me down to five days. Of course I wouldn't mind working 48 hours in 72 again of I could get the other four days off.
    I will submerge myself into the comic field once again with the upcoming Wizard World. I still need to bring ten books to get graded and decide if I should buy the VIP Stan Lee Pass. It's only money, then what do I have him sign??
    Thanks for Reading
    Thanks for being Patient
    Tnerb
    PS. For all those that have been writing journals of late, I thank you. It was nice to read a bunch of journals all at once.
  21. Tnerb
    Didn't even get to do FCBD
    OK, not only am I working my off I am giving all my spare time to someone of interest. She even has an interest into going to a comic con with me. C'mon, how cool is that? I still have so much to edit but it seems I spend all my extra time with her. We even went to go see the Avengers together and she is willing to go see it again.
    It has been a long time that I have felt this way about anyone, and I don't think I ever felt that this is the one about anyone before. It was one of those questions I always asked my father, how do you know? He replied, you just do. If this isn't the one, then I think I might just give up.
    But this site is about grading and comic books. In less than a month away I have the Philadelphia Wizard World (and if everything still goes OK then this special woman will be joining me). I will need to get together ten comic books I want graded. Wizard World is a four day event and I have to decide if I want to buy the Stan Lee tickets (I do) and then figure out if I can afford them (hmmm). I already got my press pass so I will have to write about the event to earn that right next year).
    Please be patient. There is still my vacation I want to add, but I need to edit that, as you can see with this journal, not editing sucks. Then I want to discuss how friendship can be formed through the registry and starting with comic books. I want to continue to talk about how I feel about pressing. And let's face it, i am curious about looking into the grading of comic books without the sticker to cover the free digital code. So muc more to come.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
  22. Tnerb

    Intermission

    By Tnerb,

    One way or the other... you pay
    I took the first week off in April for a nice cruise around the Caribbean. I have this journal-ed but not edited. This process has taken me a lot longer than I thought especially now my hours have increased. I originally waited tables and ran the register for a total of 55 hours a week. During the slow times I had the ability to write and edit. Soon after I came back I was asked/needed to be the manager for a small while. I have done this before for a day a week, not the six I am currently working. My hours have increased to 140 plus for two weeks.
    Every Friday I work six hours as a server and the other sixty four I work as a manager. I am still waiting for that first management paycheck. The thing is the heft work hours have given me no time to write at all, this journal being my first exception. I will get back to my vacation but I wanted to mention two people in this journal. The first one was totally unexpected. This person read my journals on a constant basis and inquired what I needed to fill my New Mutants collection. He sent me two of the books as a gift to try to get graded by CGC. I hope to get a 9.8.
    There is no guarantee that this will happen but not only did he send me those books, he sent more, a lot more. Ronnylama sent me a slew of books he no longer wanted. These were books he upgraded in his collection (I believe) and he wanted these to have a better home. He wrote about this in his own Journal
    http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=11085
    I have no idea how to thank him. The best I was able to do so far was give some comic books to a coworker whose little brother detests reading. I passed along a whole bunch of Detective Comics I will never read but acquired through a mass purchase. The next day I was told he wants more. This is one of the reasons to why I love this hobby.
    The other person who I met (who wished to remain anonymous) wanted to talk about pressing. It was I who started searching for people about this controversial topic. I have written a few articles about this and even recently just got back my Daredevil #7 and X-Men #10 signed by Stan Lee. They were both pressed through ComicstoAstonish.com (although not by them)and where I do believe the X-men increased a little bit. The Daredevil stayed the 5.5 I thought it was. I will be talking about this more after I stop working so much. I knew I had to stop writing while I work so hard that the only place I wanted my writing was to appear was here on the journals. I even stopped writing atComicbooked.com on a temporary basis. Please continue to visit them, and I hope to be back there soon.
    Thanks for Reading.
    Tnerb
     
    I will write more on how I feel about the generosity of fellow collectors like RonnyLama and Lee K. These two both showed me what it means to enjoy this hobby so greatly.
    Please excuse all editorial mistakes and typos.
  23. Tnerb

    Missing my Wallet

    By Tnerb,

    Read Third (Second in a series of Seven)
    I tend to do things in repetition, because when I don't, I forget things. At home I place things in the same spot, like my keys and wallet. Even my comic books are placed in the same boxes, on the same shelves. Of course these boxes are getting full. I decided to place my new comic books in a separate box and categorized by the date I got them. I plan on doing this for a full year. This is just to appease any OCD tendencies I might have. Then again, I also might just be lazy to take down each box once or twice a month. Not to mention some of those boxes are beyond full, so it could be a precursor to reorganizing my whole collection.
    I am doing my best to take pictures of my New Mutants #15 while on vacation but I don't always remember. When I finally remembered to take some pictures in St. Thomas I just realized I lost my wallet. I looked all over, turning the small suite upside down. I was trying to remember where I placed it, or even if I dropped it. The last I was able to remember having it was right before the check point when I had to show my passport and sea-pass. After that, the memory was gone.
    I decided to call the security desk to see if it might have shown up there, which at that point it had not. Dinner was fast approaching and St. Thomas was starting to move away. My companion snapped a few photos of me holding the comic book on the railing as we set sail. After the few pictures were snapped we went to dinner followed by the lost and found. The wallet didn't show up. I didn't have anything of value in there since I brought that with me but I was getting frustrated since it wasn't there.
    I resolved myself to have a good time and soon after I found my wallet. As for where it was... it was in the last place I looked.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  24. Tnerb

    Sitting on the Plane

    By Tnerb,

    Read Second (First of a series of seven)
    I am in the front row of first class and it is nothing like the show Pan Am. I went through the security check and boarded rather quickly. The sun is rising as other passengers are making their way onto the plane and I am looking out the window with childlike glee. The only comic book I have with me is a copy of New Mutants #15, graded by CGC in a 9.4 with white pages. I did not get to take a picture in the airport with it, besides I have all week to do that.
    I have not been in a plane for over fifteen years, even longer then me taking a vacation. In fact the last time was for business. Next to me is a great friend of mine, for who I owe a debt of gratitude. She is a wonderful person and sometimes I feel like she is too good for me. If she knew I was writing this she would probably hit me...and most likely will do so after she reads this. Truth be told, other than my father or son, there is no one else I would rather be going on this trip with.
    I have been blessed and cursed my whole life. Although, when it comes to my friends, I have definitely fallen within the blessed beyond belief category. I have known this friend sitting next to me, who is playing "Words with Friends", for about seventeen years now. Time after time, she wanted to buy me a gift and I always turned her down, primarily due to the fact I cannot repay her. I am like this with many of my other friends, too. Last year I told her I wanted something for Christmas and her disbelief was voiced with "You want a comic book?" That comic book was a copy of New Mutants #17, it was graded a 9.8 with white pages.
    I have many favorites in my collection. Lee K got two different books for me, one was graded a 9.8 and the other was slightly off with a 9.6. This dropped to a 9.4 when I had a signature added. Those books have sentimental value because someone relatively unknown to me went through the trouble of getting them. A friendship has ensued after.
    Another book that means something is not even in my collection. Someone read my journal about the Action Comic #507 they bought and offered it to me free of charge. I declined. Comic books are a great part of my life. It isn't just because of the entertainment they provide but by the stories that come from the people that collect them.
    It's time to lift off so I must shut my computer down, when next I write, I will be in St. Thomas.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  25. Tnerb

    Back from Vacation

    By Tnerb,

    Please Read First, one of
    I spent a glorious week sailing through the Caribbean. During that time I summarized my vacation in seven journals. I tried to add a bit about comic books in each one, but the majority of it is about what an awesome time I had. I even went too far, walking into the seedier side of Aruba looking for a book store that might sell comic books.
    I am asking you to read this first because I don't want anyone to rad any of the following journals about my vacation unless you really feel like it. I figured since i shared so much about my life with comic books I could share eight days of sun and relaxation.
    After the following journals are finished I will go back to talking about the upcoming Wizard World in Philadelphia, photographing my New Mutants collection, and question if Signatures are really an upgrade. I especially want to get back into the category of pressing and it is should be considered a restoration technique.
    If you decide to read the following journals about my vacation, I hope I will have painted a nice picture for you. I will have pictures up on my Facebook page and eventually on Pinterest in case anyone wants to follow those. I will add a few over my "Vacation" journals that you can see right away, especially the photos of my New Mutants #15.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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