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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    Book Five-Day Five

    By Tnerb,

    Ms. Marvel #1
    Do the books have to be mine to write about?
     
     
     
    I like variants, I just don't like the price gouging associated with them. Some newer variants have the artist I grew up with gracing the cover with their skill. Ten Grand #1 had a cool cover by Bill Sienkiewicz, Alex Ross did a phenomenal Amazing Spider-Man #1, and Art Adams drew a beautiful rendition of the new Ms. Marvel on the premiere issue.
     
     
     
    I have been enjoying the story, but I never believed this book would be a sought after issue. I bought this issue for two reasons, the first being my girl friend expressed an interest with G. Willow Wilson and the second was I loved Art Adams artwork. I thought; I hoped that maybe I could get this book signed by both at ECCC to start her collection.
     
     
     
    Every month I have been picking up the latest issue for her, but I kept quiet about the variant. I knew if it reached a 9.6 I would be disappointed, but if it reached a 9.8, she would have a nice beginning to a signature series collection. How many people, after all, can say their entire collection of CGC graded collection are signed, not many I'm sure.
     
     
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  2. Tnerb

    Book Sixteen-Day Sixteen

    By Tnerb,

    Daredevil #5
    If issue seven was the first Daredevil issue I craved after issue one, then issue five was third in that list. I still hope to attain a higher grade for both issues one and seven but, issue five is the latest book I hope to upgrade...again.
    My first copy was somewhere between a fair and a good. The copy I currently own is very good, but I would love to match my second and third issues of this series. I hope to find a near mint copy, somewhere along the lines of a 9.4 or even a 9.2.
    This might very well be the last book I try to get Stan Lee to sign. If luck will have it I will also find issues six, nine, and ten but, there is something amazing about this particular Wally Wood cover, so amazing that marvel decided to even advertise his involvement in a starburst right on the cover.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  3. Tnerb

    Five Years Ago

    By Tnerb,

    Or My First Journal times 643
    It has been five years since I started writing journals on the registry. Over that time I have submitted my own books for grading, I have cracked "9.8's" for signatures, and I have purchased junk simply because they were the worst. I have learned so much these past five years not only because of CGC but because of the friends I met here. To try listing those that I have formed a bond with would be next to impossible, because when I think of one, I think of another, and if I miss one, I would be upset that I did.
    I have accomplished a lot in these five years, including going to sixteen major conventions throughout the states. If you have ever tried living off of a server's wage of $2.83 an hour then you might understand. To give you an idea of what that means, in 2012 I had to work 911 hours to pay for the invoices I sent to CGC at the NYCC, and only the NYCC. By the way, all but one of those came back a 9.8. Of course it was the only one I desperately wanted in a 9.8 that came back other than a 9.8.
    For anyone and everyone reading this, I thank you. Thank you for putting up with the ramblings I have had. I hope as many times as you have read absolute drivel that you also read some informative entries as well. I also would like to thank those that write journals. I get to see things I normally don't see and I get to see reminders of things I've loved.
    And I would like to thank CGC as well, even when your late, or you do something wrong, or when you add frivolous charges. Thank you for making me interested in comic books again. Not necessarily the reading part, but the nostalgic part. You have also helped me pick up comics I never would have, so once again, thank you.
    Thank you for Reading
     
    Tnerb

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  4. Tnerb

    Book Fifteen-Day Fifteen

    By Tnerb,

    On a Pale Horse #1
    I hated reading. Comic books were different, I never considered them actual reading. I did read the occasional novel but I didn't thoroughly enjoy them like I do now. Books like "The Stand", "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", and "The Invisible Man" we're some very enjoyable books, but it was "On a Pale Horse" by Piers Anthony that I read over and over again.
    Innovation was a small publisher that fought for their market share against Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse. They purchased the rights for certain novels including "Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire" and one of my favorite books, if not my favorite book "On a Pale Horse" by Piers Anthony.
    This series was fully painted. The covers were sensational, and even though the comic book could never compare to the novel I looked forward to each issue, as late as they were. At times it was months between issues. I waited patiently until the next beautiful rendition of my favorite novel was released, until Innovation closed up shop. I had the first of five issues all graded by CGC, however six never was published. I always hoped six would one day be published, but so far, it never did.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  5. Tnerb

    Book Fourteen-Day Fourteen

    By Tnerb,

    Marvel Graphic Novel #4
    At one point this book was extremely difficult to get ones hands on. When there were only six 9.8 copies available I started my search. I wrote about being "Wallaced" on two different occasions. I went to work on a day no one should have braved the elements when I purchased my first copy, a signed copy. I never thought it was possible, I now owned a beautiful specimen of the first appearance of my favorite team.
    The second copy I purchased was a raw universal 9.8 copy of my lil' bro. I bought this in the hope of getting a double signature with a nice little sketch. I panicked about the process the whole time. From the moment I cracked it to the moment I checked the grade only seconds after it was made available. I was as happy as I was when I found out about my ASM #129.
    My first copy went on to a better home while the second joins my third., that being my original copy signed and graded a 4.5, maybe I should have had a sketch on that one as well. Only time will tell, I still might.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  6. Tnerb

    Book thirteen-Day thirteen

    By Tnerb,

    Avengers #98
    After seeing RonnyLama's post I wanted to show off the best Avengers comic book I own. I purchased this raw from Greg Reece at the New York Special Edition. The price was too good to pass up, and the condition looked like the best 9.4 I ever saw. That's the grade I thought it would get.
     
     
     
    At Philadelphia Wizard World I had the book pressed by CCS, graded by CGC, and returned to me before the weekend was over. I was shocked when it was returned. This book helped me realize it is totally possible to achieve a 9.8 grade on books from 1972. I know it won't be easy but, it is possible to continue my quest for my birthday books.
     
     
     
    I do have a few more to get graded by CGC, surprisingly they are all DC and it might be a few months before I get to turn them over, but at the very least I have one book that just switched over to "grading/quality control" and I hope that if I have it back in seventeen days I can show it off here.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  7. Tnerb

    Book Twelve-Day Twelve

    By Tnerb,

    Amazing Spider-Man #90
    There are a few books in my collection that I thought were near mint when I bought them. This was one of them. I learned over time it wasn't as pristine as I originally thought. The book was magical. Along with X-Men #42 and Daredevil #48, these were the first of many silver age classics I would purchase over the years.
     
     
     
    The cover is iconic. Captain Stacey was unknown to me. My first experience with the character also happened to be his last. His dying breath also revealed that the good police officer knew he was Peter. Stan Lee continued to deliver story after story solidifying the character that is Peter Parker.
     
     
     
    I dare say I learned a lot over the years and this was one of the books I sharpened my teeth on. I hope the next one I can learn on is from the same series, just forty issues earlier.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  8. Tnerb

    Book Eleven-Day Eleven

    By Tnerb,

    UFO Encounters
    This was the other comic I read over and over again, slightly before I turned eight. Each page opened me up to what I thought was factual. And maybe this helped me, when the summer of 1980 had me go to camp for the first time, I looked up into the sky and saw light in a circular fashion dart across the sky.
     
     
     
    Was I seeing my own encounter or was I imagining what I could write about for a similar comic book? I can still remember what I saw and occasionally look back on the memory, not as some insane thought, but as the possibility of seeing something unusual through my once innocent eyes.
     
     
     
    One day I might find the original books these issues were created from, but unlike Fear #8, there are not footnotes or records I can find on the subject matter. Either way I love having the comics from my youth travel with me through the decades.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  9. Tnerb

    Book Ten-Day Ten

    By Tnerb,

    UFO Mysteries
    Here is a comic book I had for the longest time. On the inside cover is a date stamp. The date is April 3 1979, and most likely I can tell you I was celebrating my fathers 42nd birthday, the same age I am now. I had read this over and over while searching the skies for my own unidentified flying object.
     
     
     
    The stories were short, some lasting only a page. I'm sure it is all reprinted material. I can't seem to find any artist signatures on it. Are there some greats involved? Could Kirby or Ditko be involved? Or maybe Cardy? Is it new enough for Adams? I have no idea. I've been toying with the thoughts of sending it into CGC for grading, but have passed since I love to open it up, smell the paper, and relive the childhood thoughts of something flying overhead.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  10. Tnerb

    Book Nine-Day Nine

    By Tnerb,

    Star Wars #11 & #14
    Why two books? Especially since the picture shows three. Star Wars was my first love. I was the only five year old to see it 13 weeks in a row. It wasn't that I was spoiled, it was because it was the only thing my father knew to take me to see that would shut me up. I would watch the movie, my sister would watch me, and my father would take a two hour nap.
     
     
     
    Even when my father married my stepmother in January of 76' I was running up and down the hallway defending myself from StormTroopers. It's safe to say, if my father was ever going to kill me, it would have been on his wedding day as everyone was watching him get married, they were listening to me, sound effects and all (pew...pew)
     
     
     
    The first issues after the treasury edition I had were #11 and #14. I have no idea how I got them, but these ragged copies are my original ones. I had many issues through out the years, collecting them when I found them in the 7-11, but I was never able to collect them like I did with the New Mutants from #15 on.
     
     
     
    I'm looking forward to Marvel taking back the mantle and plan on getting copies for submission to CGC, but first I may very well read #1-#107 just to go down memory lane.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  11. Tnerb

    Book Eight-Day Eight

    By Tnerb,

    Iron Man #55
    After Thanos Quest was released I wanted his first appearance. I never got it, that is until last year. And it wasn't the 9.2 copy I have, it was my .5. The book is the worse grade CGC could bestow. It's not my first .5 nor will it be my last.
     
     
     
    I bid and won this on eBay. I was surprised that someone else wanted it as well. When it was all over I was happy that I won. Once it was in my hands I wanted a better one. Eventually I purchased a raw copy from a friend and had CGC grade it, but will I cherish the 9.2 more than the .5.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  12. Tnerb

    Book Seven-Day Seven

    By Tnerb,

    X-Men #109
    In eighth grade I had a friend by the name if Gregory Horn. He collected comic books. I remember him getting excited about issue 12. It wasn't until issue #17 that I was able to find the title. I picked it up and was given more information about Wolverine. I didn't realize then that it was a cover swipe.
     
     
     
    At my first Baltimore Comic Con in 2012 I was searching for certain comic books. I found one dealer that had some beautiful looking books. This was the year I also sat down with Matt Nelson to discuss pressing. He helped me learn more about the candidates for the service. He even helped me decide to purchase two separate books, the first one being the Incredible Hulk #109 and the second was the reason I'm writing this entry.
     
     
     
    I was going to have them pressed and sent to CGC, but before I did I wanted to take them home to read. It was a month later at the NYCC I decided to get them signed, after all I could always get the pressed later. I was shocked at the grades when they were revealed on the registry. The 9.4 was sweet considering Matt thought it would reach a 9.6 with a press, the X-Men however was uncanny, it attained a 9.8 with no help at all.
     
     
     
    Knowing that there were books from the seventies in such a high calibre helped me decide to try going after my birthday books. And speaking if birthdays, my son turned 22 today. So if you're reading this kid, I love you and I'm proud of you.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb.

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  13. Tnerb

    Book SIx-Day Six

    By Tnerb,

    SuperMan presents the Krypton Chronicles #3
    In 1980 I was eight. I had my first real experience away from home. I stayed away for three weeks. In 1981 I stayed away for two different encampments. The first one in late June into early July, the second one I left to go to Camp again on August third until close to the beginning of the school year. It was in 1982 I went to camp for the entire summer, I was ten and given a gift from a fellow camper.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    During the encampment there were some of us that got care packages while others brought contraband. The contraband in question were comic books. I never brought mine to camp, the few that I had, but I discovered so much in reading my friends books, including all about Krypton.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    I never read the first two, even to this day. I read issue three over and over again. Scene after scene was captivating, including when Krypton flooded. I never realized it, but the first two limited series I ever collected were apparently not my first, that distinction belongs to this DC classic. It looks like at my next convention I might have to look for these books all over again.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  14. Tnerb

    What if I Quit?

    By Tnerb,

    Or another one year challenge???
    What if I quit?
     
     
     
    Or a one year challenge.
     
     
     
    Somehow, someway I began collecting comic books, along with so many other things throughout the years. My father collected nothing at all. As an adult my collection grew while my father would throw anything out without hesitation, even birthday cards. One year, after giving him a card, he handed it back to me.
     
     
     
    "It's nice," he said. "Give it again to me next year."
     
     
     
    He never got it again next year. I probably filed it away on one of my comic book boxes or possibly the glove box in my car, but the following year I purchased another card. It was in the trash five minutes later. So why do I collect?
     
     
     
    I didn't start collecting with the mindset that they would be worth something one day. And I might not have the time to read a comic book more than once like I used to. Maybe, when I'm older I'll revisit the stories I read now, or maybe they might make their way into the trash pile.
     
     
     
    At times I wonder, what if I quit? Would I be able to? Could I give up my weekly soap operas? Is it possible one day I might leave these "childish" things behind. Could for one year, I never pick up a comic book, graded or otherwise? Could my collecting desires change to something a bit more practical, like money?
     
     
     
    The fact is, I can't quit. It's not so much as an addiction as it is a happy place. For five years I didn't pick up a comic book. I financially couldn't afford it. I don't plan on putting myself in that situation again, but for next year I hope I can curb my spending expenditures. So do I give up CGC? Or weekly books? But, only for one year.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  15. Tnerb

    Book Four-Day Four

    By Tnerb,

    Tales of Suspense #97
    In 1968 this book was published, four years before I was born. Whiplash's whip had a yellow aura around it which I always thought was a defect. I remember placing the book on a windowsill and thought it was my fault that it happened. It was a long time later when I found another copy I realized it was made that way.
     
     
     
    I had a few other books from this era including issue 99. This was the closest I ever had to back to back issues. I felt like I had two comic books with two stories. I was reading about Iron Man and Captain America. I had toyed with the idea of getting a near mint copy.
     
     
     
    How many books can you remember reading before you started collecting? Which ones do you still have?
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  16. Tnerb

    Book Three-Day Three

    By Tnerb,

    Wonder Woman #199
    I showed two Marvel titles in two days, both happen to be X-Men issues. There are so many more Marvel titles I would like to add, but this one seems worthy to write about. This was one of the books that helped me decide to go after any and all issues by Marvel and DC that were published in April of 72.
     
     
     
    Wonder Woman #199 is an amazing cover that had me search multiple places for. I scoured the boxes at not only my local comic book shops (7), but I looked through boxes at the Philly ComiCon, Megacon Comic Con, Philadelphia Wizard World, NYCC, and the Baltimore Comic Con. I couldn't find any for the price I wanted to pay in the conditions the book appeared to be in. The cheapest I found one for was $225. I guessed even the best one that I saw couldn't be graded over an 8.0. After a year of searching I couldn't find one that was worth it.
     
     
     
    Then at the New York Special Edition 2014, a week before another Philadelphia Wizard World I found a copy worthy to pick up. It was only $55 and at least an 8 or an 8.5. I purchased the book, pressed it, and had CGC grade it on site in Philadelphia. I have to say, I am happy with the results.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  17. Tnerb

    Book Two - Day Two

    By Tnerb,

    X-Men #98, the pre Uncanny Years
    I first saw this book in 1985. It was a book my cousin owned. He was a bit younger than me and I didn't understand how he could afford such a book. I was thirteen and he was eleven. I was happy to collect the comic books I could but could not fathom how he could afford a book of that calibre.
     
     
     
    It took decades for me to pick up a copy, and I'm sure it will be a bit longer before I pick up a 9.8 copy. The cover itself is amazing. The colors are vibrant against each other. Wolverine is slashing against a Sentinel's head while Colossus is swatted away like an insect. I didn't have to open the book to get the story.
     
     
     
    At the time I didn't know who Dave Cockrum was. Today I appreciate many a cover he created, but none any better than this one.
     
     
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  18. Tnerb

    Day One-Book One

    By Tnerb,

    X-Men Annual #9
    If the sixties were cool to read comic books then the eighties were awesome. Art Adams instantly became my favorite artist with the New Mutants Special Edition. It continued in the X-Men Annual. I followed the story line and read each one over and over again.
     
     
     
    The special edition I have is in much better condition than the annual. I found an annual #9 in a 9.8 and have placed it in my collection. I'm not sure if I'll ever crack it for a signature, but I'm sure I'll re-read my copy and send that one in one day.
     
     
     
    But why does this book make the list? I guess the better question is why didn't it make the list before? The artwork is superb, the story is sensational, and Storm is a Thundergoddes. It might not be a book I'd recommend to collect in a 9.8, but it is a comic book I recommend for everyone to read.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  19. Tnerb

    What I Lost.

    By Tnerb,

    Or, Did I need Two?
    A few years ago I was bidding on a Susha News copy of Sub-Mariner #38. It was a 9.6/9.8 CGC double cover. I lost but bid up to the final dollar in my bank account, after my bills were paid. Another was listed on Comic Link a few weeks ago. I placed a bid of $100. This was not a double cover, but it was 9.8 and from the Susha News Pedigree.
     
     
     
    In the final hour it jumped a bit to high for my taste. If I didn't already have a 9.8 copy I would have placed a higher bid, and most likely would have lost again anyway. It sold for $427. I paid considerably less for my copy, so I have to ask, are pedigrees still so much more desirable than a simple 9.8?
     
     
     
    My copy is beautiful. I'm happy to have it. It's a book that has memories to it. I couldn't even tell you how many times I read it, or even when or where my original copy found it's way into my home. Suffice it to say, it was one of my favorites. It wasn't a number one, but with the origin story being retold in it, I was hooked. I had no way to get issue #39, so I had to use my imagination on what happened next.
     
     
     
    To whoever won the book, if you are reading this, congratulations.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  20. Tnerb

    I was Wrong.

    By Tnerb,

    Or, Nope, not back yet.
    Back in June I decided to have Neal Adams sign a comic book. For the best grade I had it go through CCS. The book is from April of 1972. I wrote on the CGC invoice, October. I thought the book would be marked shipped/safe by now and be on it's way back to me. It's only marked graded.
     
     
     
    I figured five months would be enough between the two companies to get it back to me. If I'm not mistaken that's 97 business days (61 days at CGC). And even though it falls within their 40-75 days estimated to current turnaround times, it is a bit overwhelming. As I've said before, I'm patient. I can wait, the book is for my personal collection after all, but isn't the turn around times supposed to be getting shorter with various alternative competition?
     
     
     
    On eBay, I see CGC graded comic books in record time. Sometimes I think they got them fast tracked, but are they? Do dealers get books quicker? Are the fans relegated to the nose-bleeder seats? Are we a second thought? Or is it because the book is from 1972 that it's taking longer than a book that came out three months ago?
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  21. Tnerb

    The Necessity of Boxes?

    By Tnerb,

    Or, Would a Cedar Trunk Work?
    I do have comic books everywhere. They are either in boxes or stacked on shelves. The stacked ones however are in disarray. I purchased five half boxes to place them in, no bags; no boards. These are the books not worth grading, well maybe not without a press. I did get an Incredible Hulk #271 that was worthy after a press. But back to the subject matter at hand, are boxes necessary.
     
     
     
    When I first started collecting CGC graded comic books I didn't have any boxes dedicated to them. Any of the comic shops around me didn't carry them. My first box was purchased at the Philly Comic Con, others at Philadelphia Wizard World, and my last batch was from my lil' bro. They were filled up instantly. And now, they are stacked haphazardly on shelves.
     
     
     
    The past few days I've been putting things in storage, summer clothes, Star Wars items, and other miscellaneous objects. Eventually some of my comic books will make it there, but only after I box them up, you know without bags; without boards. I still have these magazine holders that I purchased for my first few CGC purchases, but don't you know, they have some magazines in them. Of course I could always splurge and get custom made furniture. What do you do when your cup tips over?
     
     
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  22. Tnerb

    Almost Upon Us

    By Tnerb,

    Or, 30 in 30 Season 4
    November is fast approaching. What do I dare write about? Do I mention my ASM #129 yet again? Do I state that the next silver age book I crave in high grade is Daredevil #5? Or do I ramble on for thirty days about the books I want graded? What would you write about?
     
     
     
    At the moment I'm sitting in my living room with my cat next to me, my girlfriend sleeping, and the portable heater being turned on for the first time. My space is shrinking. Dare I say I'm running out of room. I even need more CGC boxes, then again who doesn't?
     
     
     
    Somehow I became disorganized. And then I don't feel so good. I know what I have to do and I know what I will do. I just hope I can meet somewhere in between. I have always liked being able to go to a comic book box and know exactly what was in it. Looks like it's time for an overhaul.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  23. Tnerb

    My Favorite Con???

    By Tnerb,

    Or, I might as well ask my father who his favorite child is.
    This year I attended six major conventions and one minor one, the minor one I attended multiple times. So which one is my favorite? I think it would be easier to discern which one was my least favorite. I'll start with my local mini-con first.
     
     
     
    Philadelphia Comic-Con
     
     
     
    A very small convention dedicated to comic books. I love this show because it gives me a chance to save up and purchase a rare gem. And since it is local with only a $3.00 admission charge, I can spend my money on comic books rather than walking through the door. If you live in Philadelphia or close by, it's worth the price of admission.
     
     
     
    http://www.philadelphiacomic-con.com
     
     
     
    Now, in order of attendance, here are the other conventions I attended.
     
     
     
    Megacon 2014:
     
     
     
    I don't know if I'll ever attend again, but that's not because it was a bad show, it wasn't, it was a very good show. Experiencing the show with my ill' bro made it all the more memorable. The flight and room charge make it more difficult for me to attend. If this were my local show I would attend every year.
     
     
     
    ECCC 2014.
     
     
     
    As enjoyable as Megacon 2014, ECCC is the show to travel to. I hope to make this show an annual event for me. It's not just a sell out crowd, amazing guests, and a horde of comic books to choose from, it's also because of RonnyLama. Anyone who collects CGC should follow this man's collection. It is rare in this world to find a man who is as kind and as generous as he is.
     
     
     
    This is not a disservice to Lee K., Surfer 99 (who I hope also will fly in again) and Shivabali. Without these friends, this show would still be spectacular, but less so. Is it my favorite? I'm not sure, but it's damn close.
     
     
     
    New York Special Edition 2014
     
     
     
    This show is a much larger Philadelphia Comic-Con, or a much smaller Baltimore Comic Con. I can't compare its sister con, the NYCC, but it was great to attend. If even for only one day. I purchased a few books there this year at amazing prices, and in conditions I found worthy, including Wonder Woman #199.
     
     
     
    After a quick train ride between two major metropolitan cities, this convention is one I hope to attend next year even for the day, and would gladly trade a four day escapade attending Wizard World Philadelphia for a single day in New York.
     
     
     
    Philadelphia Wizard World 2014
     
     
     
    Wizard World is egotistical. They tend to put their name before the city they hit with their pop cultural media event. If I was asked seven years ago what the best convention is, I would say this one, but it no longer is. I never would have attended if it wasn't for Small Basket Studios.
     
     
     
    Wizard World is currently over priced. And even though somehow 2014 was the best one in a long time, I think I may have to make it the last one that I attend. Two days I was able to work for Neal Adams. And let's face it, even though I had issues with him before, working for him was pretty cool. Almost akin to getting escorted to the front of the line for Stan Lee two years earlier. At the moment, even though it is my local convention, I don't plan on attending.
     
     
     
    Baltimore Comic Con 2014
     
     
     
    If you live in Philadelphia and you are tired of going to Wizard World, this is the one I recommend you go to. Other than ECCC 2015, this is the only other one I plan on attending. The event is dedicated to comic books and now with CGC doing onsite grading, it's another reason why I don't have to attend Wizard World.
     
     
     
    Baltimore has a great vibe to it. The convention floor is roomy. The cosplay scene rivals any other convention I have ever been to. And I have found some great books in great condition at phenomenal prices. As much as I think it is worth it for anyone from the East Coast to travel to the West Coast for ECCC, I equally feel if you live on the West Coast. A trip to the Baltimore Comic Con should be on anyone's bucket list.
     
     
     
    New York Comic Con 2014
     
     
     
    I wish I could have attended more than the one day. Last year this event was great, but when money runs out, it runs out. I was able to attain a bunch of signatures, and would have received more if I had more time. I have never been to San Diego, but here this is a distant second.
     
     
     
    If I do attend this show next year, I will attempt to go for three days, or at the very least, two days. This is NOT a one day convention, but it is a convention to go to.
     
     
     
    There you go, the conventions I went to in a shotgun review fashion. It might not answer which one was the best one I attended, but it does answer which one was the worst.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading.
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  24. Tnerb

    Cons: Pros & Cons

    By Tnerb,

    Or, Is more Better?
    Conventions are great. It's the one event I have attended over the years where I feel no animosity. It's great to walk around looking through long boxes while someone next to you is doing the same. In essence, it's a comic book fans' Mecca.
     
     
     
    But, what if there is no convention in your city. As a teen Philadelphia had no major shows. There was New York and there was San Diego. That was until 1994. I remember a second show in 94' but none after. It wasn't until 2007 when I went back to the con. At the time Wizard World was still a comic book convention, not a pop cultural event. This year I attended six major conventions.
     
     
     
    I was lucky to attend the following:
     
     
     
    Megacon in Florida
     
    ECCC in Seattle
     
    Wizard World in Philadelphia
     
    NYSE in New York
     
    Baltimore Comic Con
     
    NYCC in New York
     
     
     
    I also attend the Philadelphia Comic Con a few times a year, but what am I buying? Why am I going? Can I go to a convention and enjoy one on only $40 a day? And will I be able to go to more next year?
     
     
     
    I am already hoping to attend two conventions next year, everything else will be a bonus? I would also love to attend a few conventions in cities I never been in before, maybe in 2016 I can do one convention in San Diego, but the simple truth is, the two that I'm attending next year aren't because of the comics but because who I'm hanging out with.
     
     
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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  25. Tnerb

    Getting Things Together

    By Tnerb,

    Or a littke but if storage.
    My girlfriend and I finally got a storage area. One might think that leaves more space for comic books. It doesn't. This is just a band aid on what we want to get done, but either way this reminds me when I used to organize when I was younger.
     
     
     
    In the middle of straightening my items I would stop and read a few comic books. It was my reward for each hour. One hour = one comic book. It's been a long time since I sat and read the comic books from my youth.
     
     
     
    I desperately want to read a few right now, even though I'm stuck at work...yes I'm writing this journal at work. I'm trying to prepare for my thirty in thirty. And if I give up CGC books in 2015, how much money and space will I save? And will I do the smart thing and get that new car?
     
     
     
    Thanks for reading
     
     
     
    Tnerb

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