Tnerb

New Mutants Annual One: Take 3 The New Mutants were my favorite series. If you read any journals by me, this is something you most likely know. In the beginning I also disliked the art of Bill Sienkiewicz. However, on the annual, his only contribution is the cover. This stand alone story happens to be one of my favorites. I vowed if i were to ever crack open this book it would only be to get a triple signature by Bill and Chris Claremont with Bob McLeod. I cracked it even though I thought the book was graded wrong. Once it was marked shipped/safe my disappointment began. Of course, is a 9.6 really that bad. After getting the book in my hand, I was pleased at the best signature placement I ever received on a modern age book. It wasn't enough though. I tried again and again on a book I questioned the grade. It too dropped to a 9.6. This time the signatures were not placed as well. After winning another New Mutants Annual #1 to keep my 9.8 status, the question that begs to be asked, do I crack the slab to try again or do I wait for another 9.8 to appear. I will wait for three signatures again, or maybe I could wait for four. Eventually I will get a 9.8 SS, I just don't know how long it will take. Are there any comic books out there that you would rather have designated as an SS, or are you happy with the grade all by itself? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or I'm getting Married!!! Many of us created a top ten list of the graded comic books we would never get rid of. I recently sold two of them. After purchasing a car and my upcoming nuptials one might think I just need the money. Fortunately I don't. Collecting CGC graded comic books is still something I very much enjoy, I just have to change how I collect. All my invoices are closed and I have one left at CCS. I might be a little crazy there, but more on that later. As for the two comic books I sold, they were New Mutants #1 in a 9.9 and X-Men #109 in a SS 9.8. The 9.9 wasn't an easy sell, but I was consoled by my New Mutants #1 in a 2X SS 9.8 and what I put some of the money for. I still plan on going after my birthday books, but what I got from Comic Link was something I couldn't afford not to pass on. Issue 15 of the New Mutants was essential into beginning my comic book collection. Issue 1 of the same series is what had me start collecting CGC graded comic books religiously, but it was one day following a Heritage Auction weekly auction I started getting some original artwork. I purchased the first page of issue 15, last week I purchased the last page, even though I have many more to go, I just hope I still get to keep the other eight of my top ten unsellable comic books. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or, How is that for an OAK, Bagofleas? For the past five plus years I have collected comic books graded by CGC. The first year, I dabbled. I was sticking my toe in, and then the following year, I jumped in. For three years I collected heavily, spending a lot more than my original self-imposed monetary limit of $45 per book in many cases. The last year I have limited myself to either books that meant something to me or from my birth month and year. I was able to go to ECCC again, but only because of the generosity of The RonnyLama. I limited my purchases and my submissions. I only submitted one book and purchased less than $100 worth of comic books. My main purchase was a blank variant of Batman #29. I had an idea, but CGC had to be on board with it. I originally talked to Shawn about it and he seemed to have loved the idea. Instead of sending the book in, I brought it to Wizard World in Philadelphia. I was able to contact Paul who also seemed to like the idea. And after getting it back, I see they loved the idea. They graded the book a ten. I know blank variants are made of sterner stuff, but a ten. Is it a ten? And would I be me if I didn't at least question the validity of a grade, especially a grade I never would have given it. They went further though. The book isn't even labeled Batman #29. It is labeled as Wedding Vows #1. They clarified it further by marking it "Awesome" in the creators area of the label and dating it for 7/4/15, my wedding date. They marked it as "wedding vows written by Lee Gordon" and even wrote their own Congratulations and best wishes on the label. The book is worthless to anyone but my fiancée and myself. Thank you CGC for not only this book, but for the collection I have, and for the times you've helped me and invited me down there for a job interview. Thank you for the friendships that stemmed from your existence. Thank you Paul and Shawn for that first interview all those years ago. Thank you Molly, Brie,and Jeeter for all the conversations, if shortly lived during the conventions. Thank you Mike for your time especially when things became stressful. A special thanks to Gemma who helped me out in my earliest days of CGC by making sure I could interact on the boards. And another for Brad, who made my time down in Florida a raving good time. And for anyone I missed, I'm sorry. Thank you to all the graders, for your impartial expertise. Thanks for a product I believe in if not agree with one hundred percent. And thank you for what comes next, whatever that may be. Thanks for reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or... Oh just read the journal No more CGC for me? It's been a while since I wrote on a regular basis. There wasn't a week that went by that I didn't post at least one journal. I talked about what I was grading or what I was buying, but then CBCS came around and I slowed to almost a stop...or is that just coincidence. In the last year my life has changed, which includes my upcoming wedding. Years ago I mentioned about buying a car. I never did, because there was no need, but there was comic after comic. I bought some and I sold less than I purchased. But it was time...I needed a new car. The wheels were ready to fall off the old car, not to mention no heat and no AC. Did I mention the drivers side window no longer worked? The gas gauge was broken. The windows leaked and the undercarriage was...well let's just say I started to think about the Flintstones. The lack of fluids and the hoses that acted like a sieve aided this image. I could go on, but the point is I am happy to say I am the proud owner of a new 2014 Hyundai Veloster. My CGC days are not over and even though I might pick up a CBCS graded book from time to time, I will continue to get my birthday books. I am fortunate that I have friends looking with me. I found a recent Captain America #148 in Philadelphia during Wizard World. It just wasn't good enough, but the car at the moment is a Gem Mint Ten. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

A bit early, but a bit better While most comic enthusiasts know Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May, I got to celebrate a little bit earlier than the national date. On the last day of April I had the good fortune to get a long box of comic books absolutely free. Most comic shops have a limited amount of comic books to give out. These comic books normally have the banner announcing "FCBD" right on the covers. Sometimes they are reprinted material, others are used as coming attractions, and a few are entirely new. At times, if they run out of the allotted amount, back issues are used. The comic books I received however, were entirely new in the eighties and nineties. But how did I get them? And from whom? Lately I have been spending more time on Instagram and Facebook showing off my CGC collection rather than collecting them. More on the actual reason why later. As I collected more and more CGC graded comic books over the past few years I began friend requesting and following people I have never met. I also expanded that to creators. Some of them saw the friends I have and accepted me purely off the mutual friends we had, others accepted me for reasons unknown, but one that accepted me was the initial artist on a comic book series that if it never existed, would have had me never experiencing the joy of collecting comic books. The series of course is The New Mutants, and the creator I speak of, Bob McLeod. The co-creator had announced that he was giving away comic books, not just one or two, but long boxes worth; all anyone had to do was come pick them up. I never realized how close he lived to me. After a few short messages and a couple of emails, we set it up for Thursday April 30th. I didn't know what to expect, especially since most times I saw him at conventions I was not only limited to time, but limited in words. How many times can I tell him how much his work influenced my collection? I arrived at his house almost expecting to pick the books up and leave, but that isn't what happened, for half an hour we sat in his kitchen and talked. Fortunately it wasn't a fan boy moment where I praised and praised him, but it was a moment between two fans of the industry, one of course who accomplished a successful career, longer than I've been collecting. So while many people will be traveling to their LCS for free comic books, not only did I get mine, but I got to sit for a time with a humble legend. Thanks for reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

I am curious now, especially since you were with me when I purchased this comic book at ECCC. I wonder though, did any kid who read that when it was released follow the ideals of Stan Lee. Comic books were such an under appreciated medium of story telling. My mother hated me reading them. Why? I have no idea, maybe she thought they were childish, however for some reason I picture her being forced to burn a few comic books in 54' As a teen I always skipped over Stan's Soapbox, it was just too much to read, now, it's not enough.

I don't know how to write a teaser line for this one. Reports have been confirmed, Herb Trimpe passed away at 75. Early this year I lost a friend. This was the first death that I knew of from someone I went to high school with. He was never supposed to exit his twenties, let alone get into his forties. Baxter jumped in and out of my life, but no more, much like Herb Trimpe, who's artwork would occasionally jump off the page at me. Herb's (arguably) biggest contribution to the comic world was Wolverine, which was not my favorite moment. Being that I did not need the first appearance of Wolverine in my collection, there was one Incredible Hulk issue that captured my imagination. Issue #109 featured three characters, two outside the main character himself. I loved how the title was incorporated into the artwork. I dare say I have never seen better. Growing up while reading comic books was a simple joy. I didn't care about the artist or writers, just the characters. It took me a long time to appreciate the artwork conveyed in the monthly periodical I collected. I didn't know the man and can only remember meeting him once. It was a passing experience, one that I am glad I have had. I only wish that I knew him better and and had a better chance to share with him what he meant, not just to me, but the comic collecting community as well. The following links have written about the same thing, just better than me. Thanks for reading Tnerb http://popcultureuncovered.com/2015/04/14/a-tribute-to-herb-trimpe/ http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/04/14/herb-trimpe-passes-away-aged-75/ To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or Starting my Journey to ECCC LOn the way to the airport I was taking my time. During the whole twenty mile plus trip I was being passed by every single car, but one. My car, as trusty as she has been, is on her last wheel. I fear, if it was a hundred and fifty years ago, as well as a horse, I would have to do what was considered the humane thing at the time and put her out of her misery. By the way, it is illegal to shoot a car in my hometown. As I drove I knew each pothole I swerved around,if hit, could be my last. My lil' faded blue car has treated me well and I fear, she has to retire. My initial fear last night was that I would sleep through my alarm. After I woke and exited my home I imagined my car breaking down. I feared that I would be stranded. That a cab might not pick me up on a busy highway. And that rush hour traffic would start soon and I might have to hitch a ride. My hands tensed on the wheel with every rattle as my rusty tin can propelled me along Philadelphia's encrusted interstate. The fear of leaving my ECCC ticket behind was forgotten only to be replaced by the fear of never getting there. I did make it to the airport though. I even stopped for coffee. Only a slight detour deterred me, but it was so minor the thoughts of "I'm going to be late" only lasted fractions of a second. My CGC purchases will have to slow down to a crawl, that is until after I either get my new car, pay for my wedding, or sell a bunch of comic books. Now, all I have to do is worry how I'm going to get home and pay for the parking. Thanks for reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or Completing a Set In my last journal I mentioned the character that got me into comic books. As soon as I started collecting CGC graded copies of The New Mutants, there was a few other series I wanted to collect. Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, Longshot, and Magik were the others. I finished the Longshot series and even had them signed. Secret Wars still has four issues to go. Of course, four out of twelve is still 33.333%. The New Mutants is a bit more complicated, but I am so very close. On eBay I have a save list dedicated to what I am searching for. I can now take one line off of that list. Of course it might be like Hydra; take one off and two will appear. It took over five years, three of constant searching, for me to finally take Magik issue three off the list of CGC graded comic books I needed. This will throw me to the top of the list of another set of comics that helped solidify my collecting habits. It is also the first CGC graded comic book I purchased all year. That will end at ECCC since there will be one more I plan to purchase, and then there will be a few books I get signed before having them pressed and graded. I can't do what I did in years past. But I hope with whatever I do going forward will have a more enjoyable outcome. Thanks for reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or Journal 666 In '84 I purchased a comic book called "The New Mutants". I was 12 years old and didn't even know the X-Men were considered the "old" mutants. I began my first series with issue #15. This is where I was introduced to a character that was created years before and first appeared as the younger sibling to a mutant who would become the muscle, or more importantly one half of the "Fastball Special". This little girl was initially only used to show why Peter Rasputin had to change into his organic steel form. Years later after her creation, Chris Claremont established a few other things about her - her mutant powers being the least among them. Illyana Rasputin idolized her brother; after all, she was his "Little Snowflake". I found out later that she aged from seven to fourteen in one issue. This was told in "Uncanny X-Men" #160. The X-Men lost her through a stepping disc and struggled to hold on to her. After losing her momentarily, she was pulled back through as a teenager, which was exactly when I met her. I found issue #14 of what would become my favorite title at my cousins house and was introduced to Belasco and his favorite servant, S'ym. I also found out about the Magik limited series, or as it is more formally called, "Storm and Illyana: Magik" with issue #4. I was able to piece together more of her history with these four books. This was the tale that fell in between the pages of the previously mentioned X-Men issue. Like her brother, she was a mutant. Unlike her brother, she was also a demon sorceress. It was decades later that she finally became a member of the X-Men, but many things happened to her along the way, including her demise. Chris Claremont initially gave the character life, but more recently Brian Bendis took the character under his wing and expanded her potential. Professor Xavier trained her with her mutant powers, but through trial and error she used her mutant powers to teleport into the past and asked to be apprenticed under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. Marvel Comics continues to wipe out their alternate Universes, and as it all heads into oblivion, we are left to wonder - what could be the Beyonder's diabolical plan? I wonder about all that has come before and what could ever hope to last beyond this new Secret War. The movies are playing a pivotal role in generating interest to the comic books. As one media outlet grows, so does the other. Will my favorite character be changed rather than grow? Will she always be the Illyana she is rather than the one that was tempered in hellfire and brimstone? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or Still needing a Daredevil #5 in a CGC SS 9.0 or better. Stan Lee is getting older. This happens to us all. My first Stan Lee signatures were attained with the thought that I would never meet The Man. I had trouble narrowing what I should send in. The numerous list was initially limited to five, one of which was Daredevil #1. This single book joined three others. I couldn't narrow it down to less than four. I purchased the Daredevil #1 through Heritage Auctions. It was a universal 3.5 that I sent in still slabbed. Over the next few years I followed this up with copies of issues 7, 3, 4, and 2. Issue three was purchased raw at a Wizard World in Philadelphia. This was pressed by Matt Nelson when he was still Classics Incorporated. I had the book signed before it was handed over to him. The best part about the whole process was being escorted to the front of the line. I want to get the first ten issues all signed by Stan Lee and graded by CGC. I purchased an issue 8 to add to my collection and still need four more. I hope issue 5 will be my next Daredevil comic book for Stan Lee to sign before I send it to CGC for grading. I know I don't have long to get the signatures I desire, but I will get them, unless I go Crazy first. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or... I want a comic. I want a comic. I want a comic. Withdrawal It has been a while since I purchased my last CGC graded comic book. The last one I was able to add to my collection was a gift. I have also found myself writing journals with frequent fervor. I found the more I wrote, the more I had to purchase. The simple solution was to stop writing. I have a few invoices at CGC right now. One of which is going through Quality Control as of February 6th. They were turned over at the NYCC in October, but never received until November. It's safe to say I cannot wait until I can see the grades. The other invoices, one of which went through CCS, were taken care of by a friend who also happens to be a facilitator. I handed those books over to him since my time in NY was limited to one day and I was with my future fiancé. I did splurge at the end of January taking a solitary trip to hang out with Bagofleas and am saving up for my trip at the end of March to be blessed with the company of RonnyLama, Lee K., Shivabali, and Surfer99. The group of us will attend the ECCC where I will be turning over a few of my birthday comic books and one or two other things that drives me Crazy. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or... I had it. There it was on Ebay at the price I could afford, but the story gets better. I have told many things to everyone here about my personal life. Some I hinted at but ultimately didn't go into details on. I had some bad news last year, but it wasn't my story to tell. However, my story has ended, it is no longer a "my" story, but an "our" story. On January 15th I asked my girlfriend to marry me. I didn't give hints out to anyone. Bagofleas knew before my father, and I even told a couple of strangers before anyone else. I have sent texts out to some of my friends I met on the registry and am waiting to tell them the news, although they might read it here first. Of course this means less comic books for me or maybe just that I will budget better. I did keep track of my sales for last year and will keep track of everything this year. But I am happy to say it's not just me any more, it's me and her like Peter and Mary Jane... I mean Peter and Kitty... make that Jean and Scott... Ok, these are some really bad examples, so I hope it will be more like Ben and May, at least that way it's death till we part. Thanks for Reading Tnerb Ps. She did say yes. To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

When the value and worth don't matter. My comic books are insured. Normal renters coverage does not even begin to touch my collection. Fortunately, my Step-Mother made sure that I wasn't procrastinating about such an important issue. So now if something happens to my collection I can start over, but what about the few items I have that are priceless? What about the comics that were read over and over again? I can always pick up another New Mutants #15, but I will never be able to walk back into a 7-11 with a fresh feeling of "What's this?" Curiosity arose. I sent my original copy in for grading. It returned a 4.5, a full .5 above what I graded it. After sending it out for a signature, it returned again a solid 4.5. I sent it out again and again, getting another signature and yet another. Every time I sent it out, it was returned a 4.5. I decided to have anyone who was credited on the front page sign it, including Stan Lee. I even started to have them personalize it to me. I paid extra for Stan Lee to add 'Nuff Said'. The value of the book was worthless, but the worth became priceless. If the book was lost to theft or fire, it could never be replaced. The worth outweighs the value. I will crack it again to get another signature, pouring even more money into something that will never recoup its value, much like a new car. I'll send it for Jim Shooter or Tom Mandrake to sign, not to mention Glynis Oliver-Wein and Tom Orzechowski. I hope to get this signed by everyone who had anything to do with it. I wonder if I can find the sales clerk that sold it to me, but I think that would be going too far. I have also had another book graded, cracked, signed, graded again, cracked once more, signed a second time, graded a third time, cracked to press, graded, cracked for a third signature and then finally captured the good sense leave it alone. This book is my 9.6 copy of Amazing Spider-Man #129. With three signatures this is arguably my most valuable book and yet my New Mutants #15, at its lowly 4.5 is worth so much more to me. Both comic books have a story; one was the beginning of something larger, and the other was something that I had to barter, trade, and hand over cash to acquire, not to mention getting a solid no from my father when I asked to borrow three hundred dollars to purchase a Daredevil #1 in near mint condition. Both ASM #129 and DD #1 was held for a week so I could procure funds. I was fortunate to have my LCS owned by someone who loved comic books more than he loved money. A week later I walked out with the first appearance of the Punisher. But, what would I do if fate conspired against me? What if these books left me due to circumstances beyond my control? What do I say they are worth? And finally, how can I place a value on a memory? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

And for my last journal of the year... At first I was only going to write about not writing one. Then I thought of doing a different type of top ten list. Lee K. beat me to this, but I already made it known I wanted to go after my birthday books. So what sort of top ten should I come up with? Perhaps a top ten list of comic books to read in the bathroom, a top ten list of comic books to use as wrapping paper, or even a top ten list of comics that would be better if they never even existed. Does anyone remember me making fun of The Human Fly? Instead I opted to create a top ten list of CGC graded comic books to get rid of, and when I say get rid of I mean sell, in 2015. 10. Ka-Zar the Savage 9.8 Right of the bat for spit number ten I'm going to cheat. I have 23 of the 34 to complete the set. I purchased them at a time when I wanted to collect something new. They were cheap, the points per book would help me get higher in the ratings, and I liked the character for some unknown reason. Ok the reason might be because he reminded me of Tarzan, and I can vaguely remember sitting next to my Dad watching the old Tarzan movies. I know I can sell one of the books rather quickly, but then what about the rest? 9. Amazing Spider-Man #128 9.2 SS I purchased this book my first year at ECCC. I was hoping for a 9.6 so when I had it rushed along to get graded after Gerry. Conway signed it, I was disappointed with the 9.2. My issues 129 and 127, both copies I purchased at my LCS reached the lofty 9.6 and I was hoping to get a copy worthy to accompany them. Even though I consider this one of my learning books, I learned my lesson and it is time to move on. 8. Batman #21 Sketch Edition 9.6 2xSS I purchased this because someone was looking for it. I knew it wouldn't go above a 9.6, but when he guaranteed me that he was interested in it, I told him I could get it signed by both Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo and he said go ahead. Before it came back, he disappeared off the face of the Earth. Between the cost of grading and the book itself, a 9.6 kills the resell value and I hate to sell a book for less than what I put into it. I'd rather keep it, and that's what I have been doing. Issue #1 sold right away, of course. 7. Grimm Fairy Tales #59 Philadelphia ComiCon Edition I purchased two of these for the speculation of being able to sell them. Others did the same. I didn't get them back quick enough so have been sitting on two copies for a very long time. As the books were handed to me, rather brutishly, I never thought they would get the 9.8. I would have had them pressed if I knew then what I know now, but luckily I didn't need to. 6. Aquaman #6 Sketch Cover DC was releasing a great many wraparound sketch covers. Six months in, I was collecting four titles from the vaunted New 52. Aquaman was a surprising hit. This particular issue caught my eye as I was never a fan of the colorless cover. I didn't see the point of paying more for getting less. This book escaped all pre conceived notions of never buying one. I bought it with the 100% intention to send to CGC, as it was easily a 9.8. CGC agreed with me. So why does it have to go? Because, like Lays potato chips I'm afraid I might not be able to stop at just one. 5. Sub-Mariner #38 9.4 Restored. One of my first submissions to CGC that was purchased solely for the purposes of getting a high grade was a comic book I remember reading from before I collected comic books. The book looked beautiful, but I didn't notice that it was trimmed, nor the slight color touch. So slight in fact, that I have no idea where it is. I eventually did get this in a 9.8, although I missed out on the Suscha News copy. 4. Avengers #57 5.5 SS I purchased this for the price I wanted, but I didn't know much about grading Silver Age books at the time. It was too damaged to get higher than a 5.5. This book was one of the first four books I ever sent in for a Stan Lee signature and it probably has the best placement of any signature series comic I have. I could argue that my New Mutants Annual #1 has great signature placement, but it dropped to a 9.6. Either way with the next Avengers movie due out, 2015 might be the year for it to go. Of course, getting a higher graded copy will now be a bit more expensive. 3. X-Men #10 7.0 SS Another book I was hoping to get higher than it is. This is another one of my Stan Lee signature books that I am willing to release back into the wild. I just don't know if I would use those funds to purchase another issue ten, or continue with my Daredevil run. I did get it at FMV, but with the signature and grading, will I get what I think is the FMV? Or maybe I can just give it to my Dad as a gift. Ah, who am I kidding? He would probably just say "That isn't Tarzan." 2. Thanos Quest #1 1st and 2nd printing One is an issue I upgraded, while the other is a book I bought from a collection that I decided to see if it could get a 9.8. I did have it pressed while the other one I cracked a 9.8. With Thanos becoming a hit from the movies, I should be able to get some money to get something else, like the one in missing, 1. Secret War #2 9.8 This was one of two of my first CGC graded comic books I ever purchased. I bought it as a novelty. The cheap price was what motivated me. I tried selling it before and no one wanted to pay higher than $35, but now it's a first appearance of a character that just became popular on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.! I got a few offers, so I figured this would be a good time to sell, and it only made it on my list as number one, because as I was writing this journal, it sold. By the way, I never would have graded this at 9.8 These are the ten I-hope-to-sell in 2015, let's see what I buy in 365. Thanks for Reading Have a great New Year Tnerb Ps. I don't blame Bagofleas, I still blame Surfer To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or, Where does my path lead? I honestly don't know if I achieved any of my goals for 2014. I was hoping to go up in the rankings, but I didn't. I was hoping to reacquire my New Mutants premiere status, but I didn't. I was even hoping to add another Stan Lee Signatures series book for my earlier Daredevil run, but I didn't. The one thing I was able to do, that I am rather proud of, was to begin getting my birthday books. These were the books that were published in April of 72, even though most went on sale in February of the same year. I do miss out on a few like Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman, but searching for these gems that are the same age as me is quite the challenge. So far, all but one that I have, I purchased raw. The one I bought already purchased was found by Bagofleas at the Baltimore ComiCon that we attended in September of this year. The other eight that I purchased were also acquired this year at either the New York Special Edition and surprisingly I even found a few at Wizard World's pop culture event in Philadelphia. The five I had CCG grade were graded between an 8.0 and a 9.8. One even was signed by Neal Adams. This copy of Superman's Pal Jimmy Olson received a 9.6, currently the hugest SS on the census. As my lil' bro would say, an OAK. I do plan on continuing this over the next year. I have listed 45 books that I need from DC and Marvel both. The list gets longer if I add the other companies. Even though I have those marked, I think it would be better to limit it to the 45. Surprisingly, I have more DC than Marvel. A few I have like Tarzan and Superman are low grade and not worth submitting, these were also purchased in the tail end of 2013 and helped me decide to attempt this. I will continue to search for the New Mutants in 2015, but I think that next year will be a recreation of comics that were released in the year of the rat. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Is the value of a graded comic book equal to what it's worth? And Vice Versa. Action comics #1 in a 9.0 White Pages was auctioned off for 3.2 million dollars on eBay. Incredible Hulk #181 in a 9.9 with white pages sold for $150 thousand dollars courtesy of Comic Link. A perfectly graded copy of New Mutants #98 peaked at $15,449 dollars, also through Comic Link. Three comic books from three different eras reaching dollar amounts never heard of before. But in all three cases, is the value greater than the worth? Each comic book was graded by CGC giving the buyer the knowledge and trust that each of these issues were the best out there and none were restored. I wonder when the forms are filled out, what is entered for the FMV column. Every time I fill out a CGC invoice I'm reminded of this. Before the book is even graded I need to give my best guess on the market value of the book. If I'm wrong CGC changes this. A topic I would like to discuss later. If I take a modern age comic book directly off the shelf, isn't the value equal to the worth which should match the price on the cover and yet I have purchased 9.8 copies of brand new comic books for approximately eight times the cover price. Is that an outrageous cost or is that the value? I have cracked open 9.8 copies. These are comics I decided I wanted a signature on by at least one of the people involved in the book. So far I have had either a cover artist, interior artist, writer, creator, and/or living legends add their scrawl(s) on the cover hoping it retains the grade. This begs me to ask, what is it worth now? Is the value increased or the perception of it? A perfect example is my SS 9.8 copy of New Mutants #1. I purchased a raw copy at the Philadelphia Comic Con years ago. It was a last minute purchase because I didn't even see it until I was leaving. It looked flawless. Upon closer examination, while glancing at the cover, I deemed it worthy of a perfect 10. I couldn't have been more wrong. One mistake I have made over and over again is not asking the dealer to open the bag. I didn't see the spine stress that was predominantly made aware by simply removing the book from its confines and looking at the rear cover. The stress marks were blindingly apparent. My dreams of a ten were dashed. I decided I would grade it anyway, after all the book only cost me ten dollars, but it would have to become special. I had just started to get into the Signature Series and CGC had a special signing for Stan Lee. I pulled as many books together as I could that I thought would be worth getting Stan Lee to sign, with the main criteria being that he had to have something to do with it. I dropped the list to five and eventually sent four in, one being The New Mutants #1, a book that Stan Lee had nothing to do with other than the small blurb that says "Stan Lee Presents." The book returned, graded a 9.6. The spine stress from the back cover not only kept it from the perfect ten I thought it would be, but kept it from being a 9.8 as well. After the cost of grading, the signature fee, and shipping, the worth just dropped from the value. Almost a year later I decided to add Bob McLeod's signature. This signature was immensely more important than the money I spent for Stan Lee's scrawl, after all Mr. McLeod co-created the characters. Upon its return, the book dropped to a 9.4. The value decreased while simultaneously the worth was multiplied, if that is even possible. As I learned about pressing I felt that this book could improve, but to a 9.6 or a 9.8? The first Wizard World in Philadelphia, when Matt Nelson was with CGC and CCS was in full force, I had him take a look at it with one other comic. I was told My Daredevil #1 3.5 SS and my New Mutants #1 9.4 SS could improve, but would an improvement be worth it? I was hoping to talk to him first, but he was busy, I never had the chance. Marie told me that he said they would improve a grade higher and would work on it right away. I felt having a 4.0 Daredevil #1 signed by Stan Lee was worth it, but not a 9.6 copy of The New Mutants #1, not even with a double signature. It just wasn't worth the extra money, but it was too late. The die was cast. The Grading Gods were with me. The book returned a 9.8. Financially I invested too much in a book that is a dime a dozen. However, the value was exceedingly a greater distance from its original value. The book was graded three times, once with Stan Lee's signature fee, and once pressed. Obscenely the value Is not what it is worth. Which brings me to ask, to insure my collection, do I submit the value or the worth? And then how do I define the worth against the value? Are they equal, or polar opposites? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Amazing Spider-Man #129 This is my last one. This was a lot more difficult then I first thought. I picked thirty books in my collection to showcase. What wasn't easy was to also write about the books I have and try to make it interesting to you. I hope I have. The last one I am choosing is my Amazing Spider-Man 129. How could I not choose one of my most cherished comic books. I learned a lot with this book. It was one of my first books graded. It was one of my first experiments with pressing. It was my only book to get a secondary opinion on its signatures. If you notice there are additional stickers on the slab. This is one of those books I will not get rid of. I will continue to cherish it and the memories I associate with it. My father wouldn't loan me the money to purchase a Daredevil #1 which led me to this great buy. It helped me learn about pressing by having a conversation with Matt Nelson. And it helped me meet RonnyLama, because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have a third signature. There are more memories attributed to this book, but these three are major ones between my father, a learning experience, and the beginnings of a friendship. Thank you for coming along with me for this journey. Until next time... Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Daredevil #7 After wanting a Daredevil #1 and getting an Amazing Spider-Man #129 I eventually got my favorite Silver Age key issue. Daredevil #7 was the first time he appeared in his Red costume and would be wearing it for over three hundred issues. The grade I purchased was a good copy. In CGC terms, about a 2. It took years before I picked up a better copy, and yet I still hope to find yet a better copy. My 5.5 SS copy was a bit lower than I hoped. Daredevil #7 was the first comic I intentionally picked up a second copy of in the hopes of upgrading the condition. And apparently I didn't do well enough. I would love to have the first ten issues graded and signed by Stan Lee before CGC grades them. A secondary goal is to have those first ten issues graded in a 9.0 or higher. If I could combine those two goals, I would be ecstatic. It might not be an impossible goal just an improbable one. Of course I could always sell off my New Mutants series. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Crazy #3 It might be time for an upgrade. Crazy #3 was published by Marvel Comics when I was slightly over two years old. After winning an award for my New Mutants set, I was given a free membership for a year along with a coupon for four free comic books to be graded. I chose a book from my childhood, a comic I have no idea how I got it. My copy received a whopping 1.0, a fill .5 higher than I graded it. So my question to myself is, do I want a better copy? Can I be happy with a 9.6? Will I strive for a 9.8. And why am I so indecisive when my girlfriend said she would buy it for me? Do I want more than one, a copy to grade and a copy to read? And why when I'm ready to click buy now, I don't. As I was searching for Crazy #3, I found another comic I wouldn't mind having, but where does it end? And wouldn't I rather find a high grade copy of Daredevil #5? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Or Book Twenty Seven-Day Twenty Seven What's more important today, the book or the day. Happy thanksgiving to everyone. May your time with the family you choose to be part of enjoy your company. So what am I thankful for? I'm thankful for the health I have. I'm thankful for my family and I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for my job and the customers they have become a regular part of my life. I'm thankful to CGC for reawakening the love of comic books and more importantly to the people that have become my friends. Happy Thanksgiving to all, now it's time for me to go to work. But before I do, the picture below for my 27th book is Green Lantern #7. I have yet to read it and will do so shortly. The copy is well read and would probably grade around a 1.5. I look forward to reading it. It was purchase off someone else from Instagram who upgraded to a better copy. Who knows, maybe one day I will too. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

The Mighty Thor #293 Eye would like to tell you how eye met Thor. Roy Thomas was penning the legendary tales. In a book before Eye started to collect Eye was not only learning about the origin of Thor, but of the Realm Eternal, Asgard. Eye don't know what happened before or after but, Eye learned a lot about Norse myth and its end of days, Ragnarok. As Amazing Spider-Man #181 was my introduction to Peter's origin, then issue The Mighty Thor #293 was my introduction to Donald Blake. Eye loved the little blurbs teaching me about Marvel's history especially on page eleven. The foot note inspired me to check out back issues, if not the one mentioned here for Journey into Mystery #83. The cover captivated me as a young child. As an adult, skimming through the book now, Eye love the juxtapose between cover and story. On the cover Thor tries to keep the beast behind the doors. Inside tells a different story. The same doors are ripped asunder by the son of Odin revealing answers that Thor demands. The last page should probably be noted as The first appearance of Jesus Christ. The Eye ends the issue with the scene of three wise men around the manger some 2000 years ago. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

X-Men Survival Guide to the Mansion Can CGC even grade this book? The spine is like a spiral note book. This book came out when I purchased anything. I collected as much as I could regardless of company. Price was still an issue because I thought quantity beat quality. This comic book is aptly named, it's a guide. There is no story involved. I never placed it in a bag or board so I am amazed at the condition of the book. I have already come a far way from sticking my comic books in my sock drawer for storage, but still a far way from how I collect now. I like the idea of having the best copy available but, is this book worthy of grading? What if I get lost traveling the mansion? What floor is the pool on? Are the Morlock Tunnels off limits? And can I use Cerebro to check in on Kitty? Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Phantom Stranger #18 I have to admit, I know next to nothing about the Phantom Stranger. The best thing I can say is it has nothing to do with the Phantom Menace. I know the character has something to do with the "Trinity" in recent DC lore, but that is about it. This book is one of my birthday books. And quite frankly it is beautiful. The dark cover cries out its eeriness. I'm afraid if I read it I might have to buy other issues. I hesitated turning this one in since I started to see flaw after flaw. The one I did turn over, an entirely different comic book was a 9.0, a bit under the 9.4's I hope for. I'll look this over again, maybe get a second opinion before sending it off to CGC. The comic book is not that expensive and I should be able to find a high grade copy again in my journeys. Until then I'm happy to show you this copy below. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.

Astonishing Tails #11 I had trouble deciding which book to show off and I've been showing off plenty of DC which happens to be the minority of my collection, so I decided to jump back to a Marvel title. A few characters I like that have been around for as long as Marvel are the Sub-Mariner and Ka-Zar. Both characters, when written well are phenomenal. However, when written bad, they are horrendous. And most times I feel they aren't written well. I started to collect Ka-Zar's series from the eighties. This also included the first appearance of Belesco from Uncanny X-Men #160 and the Magik limited series, of which I still need one more in a 9.8. I found the first silver age appearance of the Savage Land resident and when I found out he was in one of my birthday books I knew I had to make it one of my first. It is a high grade for sure which could only be better with a press. Some minor defects can be fixed, but even with a professional press I fear it won't go above a 9.4 but, a 9.4 from 72' is nothing to be upset about. Thanks for Reading Tnerb To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.