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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb
    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

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  2. Tnerb

    Hulk Sad

    By Tnerb,

    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/

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  3. Tnerb

    Would I Hitchhike?

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  4. Tnerb

    Speaking of Magik

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  5. Tnerb

    Hellfire and Brimstone

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  6. Tnerb

    Another Stan Lee Signature

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  7. Tnerb

    Withdrawal

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  8. Tnerb

    Amazing Fantasy #15

    By Tnerb,

    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.

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  9. Tnerb

    Priceless

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  10. Tnerb

    A Top Ten

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  11. Tnerb

    What's in store for 2015?

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  12. Tnerb

    Worth Vs. Value

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  13. Tnerb

    Book Thirty-Day Thirty

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  14. Tnerb
    Marvel Milestone Edition: Fantastic Four #1
    In 91' a year before my son was born I read Fantastic Four #1. This also happens to be thirty years after it was released. Marvel began producing a reprint series of some of their biggest key issues. They released around 23 of the comics they thought their fans would want. The price tag was a bit lofty compared to their new material and although I picked up a few, I didn't pick up all of them.
    The books has a silver boarder making the covers feel a bit heavier. Looking through each one at my LCS netted me a very fine + at best. I don't know if it was a bad shipment or that's the way they all were. At nineteen I assumed it was every single one.
     
    My original copies were part of my purge and now with the digital age its a lot easier to find what I'm looking for without ever having to leave the house. Chances are I will not own any of these original key issues so it was nice to get the ones I wanted in this format. The one thing I find really cool though is the Marvel Milestone Edition for Amazing Spider-Man #129 was released in 11-92, one of my son's birthday books. I might have to look for a 9.8 of that issue.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  15. Tnerb
    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

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  16. Tnerb

    Happy Thanksgiving

    By Tnerb,

    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

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  17. Tnerb
    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

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  18. Tnerb
    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

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  19. Tnerb
    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

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  20. Tnerb
    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

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  21. Tnerb
    Superman's Pal Jimmy Olson #148 Part 2
    How can I not write about a book twice, especially this book. Of course I don't know if this is still considered 30 in 30. Of course I could double up later, but seriously look at this book. I purchased this in Philadelphia during Wizard World. I can not express how happy I am.
    I love the Philadelphia convention for one reason only: CGC is on site. This one however took the slow boat to China. I even wrote on the invoice that I thought I would get it back between 9-25 and 10-7. I signed for this on Friday as I was leaving for work. That's over an extra month.
    I wonder if I cracked my Phantom Stranger and pressed it, would the grade improve? Next year I'll be cutting down the conventions I attend. The idea of a new car is looking good. So I hope to attain ten books from April of 72 and send them in to CGC through the mail. I'm just surprised that the books I've been buying are mostly from DC not Marvel.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  22. Tnerb
    X-Men #42
    In my younger days of collecting I was scared to pay too much. I didn't have the knowledge I have now, and slightly before I discovered price guides all I had to go by was instinct. Did the book look good and was it worth giving up new issues? After scrounging around the back issue boxes I found some nice looking books for what I thought was a decent price.
    After buying a few DD issues by Frank Miller for $3 apiece I started to feel comfortable with this price point. But as I began delving back as far as I could, prices began to soar. $5, $20, and ultimately higher before they made their way onto the wall. It was to my surprise when I found out Professor Xavier died and it wasn't a hoax.
    The problem was that the book was $5. That was a lot of money for me back then, my whole weekly allowance. The cover was reeling me in and before I knew it the single book purchase was on the counter and I was on the way home with a book older than me, possibly the first one I bought that met this criteria. I'm happy this is still part of my collection, but do I dare dream of better?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  23. Tnerb

    Book Twenty-Day Twenty

    By Tnerb,

    X-Men #10
    There are a few covers I like. Ok, there are lots of covers I like, but a few of them I can't explain why other than they are simply awesome. A few of these I want high graded copies but, I can't seem to get anything higher than mid grade. Regardless of the grade, having the first appearance of Ka-Zar in the silver age is a comic to have. The older the book is, the less experience I had grading them.
    I purchased this comic book from a small dealer. He was willing to take a chunk off the price seeing how I really wanted it. My translation is he didn't want to take it back home.
    I have spent money on books I have wanted but, for some reason I felt like I was hindering the dealer by asking. If I haggled to a price I wanted I felt obligated to purchase the book. X-Men #10 was priced right. Some of the defects however I was unfamiliar with hence the grade.
    This book is part of my learning experience in grading silver age books. I'm guessing I learned a few things because I purchased two very nice Daredevil issues after I sent this one away to get signed and graded.
    Thanks for Reading
     
    Tnerb

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  24. Tnerb

    Book Nineteen-Day Nineteen

    By Tnerb,

    Amazing Spider-Man #181
    Is Ben alive? No seriously, is he alive? We all know the mythos behind Spider-Man. "With great power comes great responsibility". This was taught to Peter by his iconic Uncle Ben. Many of us read those words, but chances are, we didn't read them when they originally saw print.
    I love the Marvel Tales series. I was able to read many of Spider-Man's earliest adventures, but it was Amazing Spider-Man #181 that taught me who Spider-Man was. In one issue I learned who he was, notice this was not a first issue.
    Bill Mantlo gave me all I needed to know about Spider-Man in one issue. The art by Sal Buscema is possibly what I noticed years later in The New Mutants #15. This book was part of my pre-collecting days and issue #183, another one I owned, with the Rocket Racer were from my earliest adventures of the Amazing Spider-Man. And it was on the last page of #181 where Peter left his prize possession on top of his beloved Ben's grave. It's the last panel when you see a graveyard caretaker that looks amazingly like Ben Parker.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  25. Tnerb

    Book Eighteen-Day Eighteen

    By Tnerb,

    Superman's Pal Jimmy Olson #148
    There are 45 book published for April of 72' between Marvel and DC. There are considerably more if I move outside the boundaries the big two provide. My primary goal is to purchase the highest grade I can afford before sending them into CGC for grading. Of course there will be some exceptions, for instance Action Comics #411.
     
    At two different comic book conventions I found some really nice copies worthy of grading. Some I still have, while others I turned over for onsite grading in Philadelphia. One of the books I found there I didn't have the time to turn over, then again I didn't have the book until the convention was almost over. I purchased the last issue of Superman's Pal Jimmy Olson that Jack Kirby worked on, which is just as cool as four issues earlier with Darkseid's first appearance, or maybe it's cooler.
    I would have held off getting the book graded but I had the chance to have Neal Adams add his scrawl to it. It was the only signature I got for myself at the convention, and even though I do have his signature on other items, it's this one, provided the grade was acceptable, that I would keep. So, after turning this book over in June, it is now on its way back to me. One more accomplishment on my birthday book list and surprisingly enough I've been choosing DC over Marvel.
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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