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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    CGC and the Line

    By Tnerb,

    Or the first line of many
    It's early, damn early, but Bagofleas and I are standing with a growing group. A group called "the Line". CSC staff is keeping us from going any further, almost like cattle. I'm listening as the others are discussing previous years. People are strolling in. I hope I'll be able to get all my on-site books taken care of, including a book that will not get a 9.8. I'm looking for three signature, for no more than twenty books. The question is can I do what I want here, and still do what I want at ECCC.
    I know Monday when I'm on my way home I'll feel like I accomplished exactly what I set off to do, but like the NYCC I'm hesitant. Bagofleas is going all out, and we even found some other books at a couple LCS's that we added to our collection. Then I have two waiting at my father's for next week.
    Eventually the con will start and the slight trepidation I feel will leave. On-site grading is a different calibre of animal, a beast that needs to be slain, or simply something to not even honk about. At the end of the day I'm here to enjoy myself, I'm here to have fun with my friends, and I'm here and not at work.
    Bring on the con.
    Thanks for reading.
    Tnerb

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  2. Tnerb
    Or these aren't the X-Men your parents told you about.
    I've decided to narrow down my sets.
    At one time I took over the first place position of the New Mutants. I did this by having a single book more than the previous holder and a lot more signatures. This has since changed. Bagofleas regained first place without looking back and I helped him do it.
    I also built my set by his rules. Nothing under a 9.8 was posted. That is about to change. I'll have three sets and I hope that will dwindle to two. My primary set will be my desire to have a full signature series. My secondary set will be my universal copies, of which I hope to get signatures for, as well as any doubles.
    The third set will be my original set, a combination of signed and unsigned graded books. Some will even be personalized, and all of these will be graded all over the spectrum. Most are only worth one point. At the end if the, with this set, the grades don't matter.
    I am hoping that one day they will allot more points for this set. There are almost as many first appearances in the first twenty issues as there are issues. I do have it obscure and I know I won't win an award, but the joy I'm getting at rewriting everything and taking pictures through Instagram are bringing a renewed joy that I have been lacking. Once I am finished I will then change the status of my set to allow all to see.
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Bagofleas...I'm still coming after the first place spot.

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  3. Tnerb
    Or Dies CGC even acknowledge competition?
    I purchased one PGX book. This was a copy of New Mutants #5 in a 9.9 with white pages. I did this at the time since there were no available me 9.8 copies. It is also rumored to be the only book PGX graded the day Michael Jackson died. I also knew that once I sent it to CGC for them to grade, it would be a 9.8. I even cracked it again when I attempted to go after a full signature series line up of my favorite title. It stayed a 9.8. It took no longer than a month to get it graded, both times, one for the universal label, and the second time when a signature was added.
    I thought about purchasing a few other PGX books to do the same thing, but never did. I would never send my books to PGX because I think they are more lenient than CGC. And I wonder, am I stricter than the premiere third party grading company? Many 9.8's I purchased, I felt were graded wrong. But what about the comic books I purchased off the shelf? Do I send them in if I feel they won't get the Mecca of grades? Of course if the grade means nothing (for example, my New Mutants #15 4.5 SS) I might send a bunch in.
    I cracked a few of my CGC 9.8 copies of the New Mutants over the years. My New Mutants Annual #1 fell to a 9.6 (and rightfully so); so did my brother's copy. Recently another book of his fell. This one dropped two grades. Was it wrong the first time?
    I had six of his books at ECCC for signatures, Steve Leialoha among them. He did not have his books fast tracked. I turned my own invoices over at the same time, one of which was fast tracked. This I got back in less than a month. 18 days from received to shipped safe.
    What confused me however was the amount of time it took to get his invoice back so quickly. How did that happen? It was in his hands one week after I received my fast track invoice. The other invoices I turned over at the same convention, on the same day are still sitting at Received. This makes me beg to ask, how is this possible?
    This doesn't include any invoices sent through CCS, which are currently at CGC as received. The only invoice further along the road to grading was turned over a week before when I was with my brother in Florida at Megacon. So, is first in not necessarily first out?
    One of the biggest complaints about CGC that I've read about is the amount of time it takes to grade a book. I'm an advocate of getting the job done right, so the time in question is not as important to me as it is to others. But, if I'm told four weeks, I want it to be four weeks. If I'm waiting on a table and I tell them their meals will be out in a few minutes, they will be out in a few minutes, not an hour later.
    I hear about such blatant disgruntlement here in the journals, and then again on other social media such as Facebook and Instagram. I always thought that it was a matter of time before PGX became a threat. PGX has proven me wrong, but wouldn't it be a weird turn of events if people started going to PGX with cracked CGC slabs? And what if we were seeing more and more PGX graded books at conventions? Could PGX flip the tables with the right business outlook? Don't get me wrong, I'll collect CGC for as long as I am financially able, but I would love a sense of order. You know, first in first out.
    I remember reading about a time when DC never worried about Marvel, so I wonder will history ever repeat itself? Will CGC look forward like they never looked back?
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb
     
    Ps. One of the above mentioned invoices changed to verified as I was editing the journal.

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  4. Tnerb

    The Value of Fast Track

    By Tnerb,

    Or should I say the additional Cost of fast track.
    At Megacon, I turned over a few invoices for onsite grading. One invoice was for comics signed by J. Scott Campbell. This was done for a friend. I was hoping to have them done onsite but that wasn't the case. I waited for three hours in the line, which only moved because they relocated the table that Mr. Campbell was signing at. The good part about this was that it was closer to Bill Sienkiewicz, where Bagofleas and my friend were waiting. After my three hour wait I decided to give up, but that was because I knew CGC had it set up for a private signing. If that wasn't the case I would have continued to wait for ThePastorofMuppets.
    Eventually, I broke down and purchased a few Superior Spider-Man #29 variants. I decided to turn them over on a separate invoice. The comic books I turned over needed to be pressed and are currently at CCS.
    Out of everything I submitted between the two conventions, my first Megacon invoice was received on March 28th and verified on April 21st. A week after Megacon I was in ECCC, which had me bring a few more for J Scott Campbell. Two of them were waiting at my Father's, delivered fresh from Mexico. I had two more Superior Spider-Man #29's. These were nicer than the two copies I turned over at Megacon. I could get these signed and not be worried about getting anything less than a 9.8.
    At ECCC I turned over three invoices, which were all marked received on April 2nd. It was April 8th when my fast track invoice with four comics changed from received to verified. I was one step closer to getting my books back.
    I turned over a Ms. Marvel variant by Art Adams. I had it signed by him and G. Willow Wilson. I vowed I would give this away if achieving a 9.8. This was submitted with cover variants by J. Scott Campbell of Uncanny X-Men #19 and those 2 copies of Superior Spider-Man #29.
    I was going to turn them over to CGC as I did the week before, but after meeting the amazing Art Adams, who I have one major thing in common with, the witness I was with had to stop by and pick someone else up at J. Scott Campbell's table. I still had my three comic books with me for him to sign and figured I would ask the guy already in line. Once in a while a person might say yes.
    He knew what I already knew. It was ten dollars per signature for Campbell to sign books to be graded by CGC. After he said yes, I gave him forty dollars for my three books and told him to keep the remaining ten to pay for one of his books, after all he was doing me a favor.
    After turning it over and being marked received on April 2nd, it changed to Scheduled for Grading on April 12th. This was one day after two other invoices I turned over at Megacon for CCS was billed to me.
    On April 15th, tax day, my comic books were marked graded. Six days later they moved forward into Grading/Quality Control. I predicted by Friday, my invoice would move to Shipped/Safe. By noon I thought I was wrong, but finally at a little before two I checked again. Those lovely two words used in tandem appeared. I was hesitant. I was actually going to pull a Surfer99 and wait...ten seconds later I knew the grades.
    It took 18 business day for this invoice to change from received to shipped safe, 24 days total. CGC has it noted for modern age books that its estimated turnaround time is twenty days. Fortunately they added current turn around times as well. I like this small change. However, this is marked at 36 days. And then there is fast track, estimated at ten days, and currently at 18 days, exactly the amount of time it took.
    I have five invoices at CGC/CCS with only one at verified. Would they all be making their way back if I added the extra money? For one invoice, the ten extra dollars a book was money well spent, but imagine a hundred books, all under the fast track tier!
    What remains to be seen is this. Is fast track worth it? Getting books graded adds up. Adding signatures even more so. Having books fast tracked is an added expense that I can control, but I can control the other costs of CGC as well. I just have to quit collecting... yea right.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. I'm realizing that if I got all my books back as quick as my fast track, I would be submitting more to CGC.

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  5. Tnerb

    Taking it easy

    By Tnerb,

    Or A moment to breathe
    For every journal I write I tend to look at all the books I crave. Those cravings normally became purchases. I noticed in the recent months, as my life is going through some changes, including the failed attempt to be hired by CGC themselves that most of these changes have been positive. Money has become more of an issue. Fortunately I still have money for my bills, it's the comic books that have to take a back seat.
    After two conventions back to back I have to prioritize what I want. Of course without my friends, those two conventions never would have happened. And for that I can't thank any of them enough. I still plan on attending three more this year, but I won't be submitting as many signature series invoices.
    Some of the books I submitted are going to be for sale. Whether they do sell is another story altogether. The New Mutants I fear will drop, as I always do. Only time will tell. And if they do, the search will begin again. I will never attain first again in my set, not that I won't try, and now I have my eye on other sets that I would like to achieve first place or at least complete.
    I wonder though. Am I slacking or losing the desire to collect? Does CGC no longer hold it's sway over me? Or is it comic books that I don't want to collect...or maybe there is one other simple reason.
    Thanks for Reading.

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  6. Tnerb
    Or nothing but work.
    It's been a few weeks since I got home from ECCC. Just like last year, it was great. Surfer 99 being there was the proverbial icing on the cake. I do hope to go again next year, even if it might be the only convention I attend. I've been trying to work as much as I can, not only to recoup the money I lose by having off, but to save a bit for more days off. This time for my coming pool tournament.
    CGC is a rich man's hobby. I calculated what I have spent over two years, and for someone of my stature, it's staggering. Last year I decided to pin point what I wanted to collect and do. Megacon and ECCC helped contribute to my signature series by procuring the signatures myself, but my collection has not grown.
    I sold a few books but not nearly enough to refill my coffers. My bills are still paid first, but maybe, like the Professor, I might need some time away. Of course as I crack signatures for comic books, I'm only adding to what I spend, not to my collection. So I think I might omit getting more and more signatures this year from my list of requirements, after all, the two conventions I went to this year are worthy of sating anyones CGC appetite.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    PS. I say this now like a drunk the morning after, but I'm reminded of a saying my boss would remind me of, volume hides all sins, and in this case that volume is money.

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  7. Tnerb

    ECCC: Day 1

    By Tnerb,

    Or Having a great day with friends.
    Day one was a short day for me. In the amount of hours we had there, the two signatures I really wanted were scrawled across my comic books. My Longshot books were finally signed, but the invoice needed to remain open. I still need to get steve leialoha on my issue 34, and Bagofleas 32,33,34, but I also brought my original 32 and 34. I might add one more New Mutants to the mix to have Joe Rubinstein add his signature since I am afraid my 9.8 will drop. Not to mention G. Willow Wilson on my Ms. Marvel variant.
    I wanted to be humble, to not get very much done, but watching RonnyLama pick this and pick that is having me decide, maybe one more. Surfer 99 is beyond polite and I realize I'm not used to anything above Philly hospitality. I hope I can get the few I need done for Bagofleas and then I can help RonnyLama get everything done he needs to do because from what I can see there is a lot of dealers that are offering some great comic books at some great prices.
    Tonight though, we all get to hang out. And this is the other reason I wanted to come to ECCC, hanging out with friends. Shivabali and Lee K will be joining Surfer 99 and I at RonnyLama's for some good food and good conversation. Hopefully we will all be well rested for tomorrow because I fear that day will make this day look like a picnic.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  8. Tnerb
    Ok, so the flight is to Seattle, with a stop over in San Francisco.
    I don't sleep well when I'm excited. I'm sitting in my seat somewhere over the mid-west and trying to nap a bit. I don't want to land in Seattle and sleep the rest of the day, especially when the doctor limited my coffee consumption. I have at least 19 books for signatures and grading, three of which I'm expecting to drop from their universal 9.8 status. So why do I do it? What's the allure to getting the signatures on a comic book if there is so much at risk?
    The majority of the comic books I get signed are low in points. The ten percent increase they give me is not nearly enough incentive, it's not like it's an Amazing Spider-Man 129 in a 9.6, which would garnish a hefty point increase with the percentage. Besides, I already did that one last year. Nope, the ones I'm cracking either give me a three or four point increase on the registry. This no where near compensates for the risk I'm taking. And if the books do drop, will they be available to purchase again?
    There are 277 sets in the under rated New Mutants set. Some of the issues in this set have only two copies in 9.8, where I have one and bagofleas has the other. The risk could be dire if the attempt to get the best set is thwarted by a simple reduction in grade. RonnyLama risks a lot in his attempt to gain some of the same signatures, but on books of a larger scale. Last year he sent me three books to get signed by Stan Lee, one of them being an iron Man #1 in a 9.6. The financial drop alone is devastating. I believe I heard a horror story of a 9.4 Incredible Hulk #181 being manhandled by Herb Trimpe causing a drop in grade and value.
    And yet I still crack a slab. My issue of thirty four looks iffy. So iffy, in fact that I didn't crack it. I'm bringing it with me and will crack it when I get to Seattle. A group decision between RonnyLama, Shivabali, Lee K., and Surfer 99 will determine if I place the risk to be nominal. And whether it drops or not the comic book becomes part of a story. And that's why I crack some of the slabs, because without doing so I never would have met the first three of the four I mentioned.
    I don't crack the slabs for value as much as I do just to have the creator sign the book. But I also crack them for the story. This may be an unintentional result from Steve Borock making sure the slabs were able to be cracked; to not only be able to read the story, but to add to it.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  9. Tnerb

    CGC and Meeting my Idol

    By Tnerb,

    Or the cosplay scene at Megacon 2014
    I heard the cosplay scene was huge at this show. I wasn't disappointed. However, I've noticed it grow at these types of ComiCons. In other words, I'm not talking about pop culture events. Megacon had the right amount of artists, sales booths, and media stars to keep me happy.
    Yes, I was busy running around with BagoFleas and it might seem like it was very amiable by all his recent journal entries, but you must remember he is a relentless task master. I am honored he tells you how much help I was, and yet he omitted how he threatened me, by informing me, if he didn't get everything done my cat would suffer. Alas, I digress and I feel his fleas closing in.
    The other thing I like to do at a con is snap pictures of those dressed as my favorite characters. Some of which I like to see are Death from Vertigo comics, Harley Quinn from DC Comics, and Rogue from Marvel Comics. Occasionally, I get to see those rare cosplay characters in the form of my favorites. My first Wizard World in 2007 (when it was still a ComiCon) had me find Beaker walking around separated from Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. I gladly asked to have a picture taken of both of us.
    I did find a Beaker this year and posed with the Muppet, but I found something rarer, something akin to a 9.9 signature series book. I found the most underrated character in all the Marvel Universe, a character even more infamous than Doctor Doom.
    That's right I am talking about Forbush Man. This janitorial hero scorched through the scene at Marvel comics beginning in the late sixties. His origin aptly detailed in Not Brand Ecch #1 probably insinuates that the popular drug scene influenced this at "Marble Comics". I never thought I would see a cosplay of this calibre, or of this character and as Bagofleas was rushing back to the CGC booth with witness in hand I paused to snap a photo with my idol.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  10. Tnerb

    CGC and the Day After

    By Tnerb,

    Or a job well done
    Megacon is over. I imagine a group of people celebrating after the Super Bowl or World Series. High fives all around, Gator Ade poured over Paul Litch's head, and the Quarterback, Mike B carried on the team's shoulders. Or maybe just a few drinks like it was New Year's Eve.
     
    I have no idea of the number of books they graded, but I know there was a lot. So much in fact that Mike placed RonnyLama's, Bagofleas, and my stuff together in multiple boxes. If you were there and saw this grown man jumping up and down like a little girl on Christmas morning after getting her favorite doll, yea...that was my brother. Once I removed the two that were mine, I helped check the invoices. Out of 71 books we found one mistake.
    The whole team at CGC were great. Yes, they screwed up my one order that I got back on Saturday, but I have to remember I only turned them over on Friday. Three out of six comic books had to be corrected. One was fixed before it left the offices. I didn't see the mistake for the last 33% until they were in my hands. I still have to wait for these two. The sheer volume alone should be applauded. And of course I'm talking about the graders as well.
    I wish I could go into details to tell you what they do and how they do it, but I can't. I still remember the three days I was there and I'm confident in how they grade and what it means to me to have my books graded by CGC. Maybe one day I'll go back to collecting Star Wars Memorabilia or I'll start collecting signatures of media stars, but until then I think I'll stick with CGC.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  11. Tnerb

    CGC and Quality Control

    By Tnerb,

    Or I'm thankful for their customer service
    Ok, I love when CGC makes a mistake, but I don't understand how a signature series cover signed by Bill Sienkiewicz could be confused with issue 31 of volume three over 25 years later. David Lafuente was the cover artist of the latest 31. They are two different styles entirely.
    And it's not like I can call customer service and expect them to answer. They are all at the show.
    Fortunately, Molly, being Molly called right away. A couple of hours later and my invoice changed to shipped/safe. Safe as in being able to check the grades. I don't wait, even when I know the books will be in my hands in hours rather than days. Another mistake has occurred. My two Thanos Quest, which retained their 9.8 status are marked "signed by Bill Sienkiewicz". I wonder how John Beatty will feel. And as far as my issue 31, it dropped in grade, lowering to a 9.6.
    ...a couple hours later...
    I have the books. However one other book disappeared into the ether. CCS has still not received it, at least by my records. I hope to be at CGC in the morning and trust they will fix it as they always do. So am I complaining, no, I'm not even venting, I'm just writing as I always do.
     
    Thanks for Reading
     
    Tnerb
    Ps. Everyone at the CGC booth was extremely helpful.

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  12. Tnerb

    CGC and the Second Day

    By Tnerb,

    Or I'm finished until next week.
    I'm guessing onsite is closed. Bagofleas let me know it lasted a whole lot longer than it did last year, although I was a bit upset I couldn't get J.Scott Campbell. I am still going to turn over a book today and one next week. I do like the cover of Uncanny X-Men #19 and I have one waiting from him when I get home, including two Superior Spider-Man variants for issue 29. Of course, whether I keep them or not is an entirely different story.
    A lot of my CGC graded books were either signed, pressed and/or graded for the sole reason of a journal entry. This might be no different. I respect those that do this for a living. It isn't easy. Of course, I'm sure they have their shortcuts, ones that Bagofleas and I hope to figure out and utilize in the months ahead. If we decide to do this, we now realize how tedious it will be.
    The line was a lot longer for those who didn't get their wrist bands today then it was yesterday. As far as wristbands are concerned, we are right by the front. A couple cosplayers are in attendance and I am becoming curious. Can I defeat day two without a cup of coffee? If not, I wonder can I survive Bagofleas screaming at me, "drink the coffee, drink the coffee"!
     
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb

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  13. Tnerb

    CGC and the First Day

    By Tnerb,

    Or Ouch
    I was more worried about the cut off time than anything else, and I wasn't getting much done. The thing is I accomplished a lot and I still have two days to go. I had a few more signed by Bill Sienkiewicz to add to my New Mutants collection. I cracked my second printings of Thanos Quest for John Beatty. The final signature I was trying to acquire was for a friend, and after three hours of waiting I forfeited my place in an unmoving line for J. Scott Campbell. Fortunately, CGC will be able to get them done for me, unfortunately not for the on-site for which they were so heavily swamped.
    I hope that every book I pressed retains and the five raws I sent in hit the minimum 9.4 status that I hope for. They don't need to be 9.8's to be added to the newly created Bill Sienkiewicz set, but I do want to try to get them all signed. Three of them can also be added to my New Mutants complete set. I just have to decide if I want to turn over two more for J. Scott Campbell, even knowing one will not get a 9.8 at all.
    I still have next week at ECCC, but now I have to be a bit more frugal. Once these shows are done I have three months to save for Wizard World in Philadelphia, but I don't think I'll be doing much in CGC. It's Baltimore I fear most, but I am getting a head of myself. Tomorrow is picture day. I will be spending time with Bagofleas again, but this time getting our picture taken over and over again. Stan Lee even requested our presence promptly at 2:00 and we plan to appease.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb.

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  14. Tnerb

    I'm Furious

    By Tnerb,

    After spending three days at CGC I'm still waiting for an answer so until them, how about a review...
    Even after the news of Star Wars leaving the Dark Horse nest I still respect the company. They have published amazing story and art between two covers all in the form of entertainment and they won't stop now. Their latest super hero comic is "Furious" starting with issue #1. Bryan J. L. Glass and Victor Santos put together in 22 pages what others put in four issues. But, is it any good? And fortunately yes, but unfortunately no.
    The action rolls with the story as Beacon tries to be the hero she wants to be and not the media scapegoat the news makes her out to be. The artwork is a style that feels rushed, it's not that it isn't good, it's not what cries out "comic book" to me, however it does scream out read me, and I did. And after I finished I feel confused and conflicted.
    On page 11, what occurs on the bottom of the panel leaves me with "I can't wait to see how this works out" all the way up to the final page, which I thought was great, but clashes against what I read only pages ago. How could this be? I only picked up the issue to give to a friend so I don't feel indebted to go on. I wonder if Dark Horse had a previous four issue limited series before this one. I enjoyed the comic, but this isn't a book I would collect month to month. Fortunately my friend wants it and I think I'll be furious if I don't read issue two before I get it for her.
    The short of it is, I'll grade it as a strong solid Fine out of Near Mint.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  15. Tnerb
    Or this journal has nothing to do with the flight.
    I never seem to get the proper amount of sleep before a trip. This trip is no exception. I did my best to prepare for the convention itself, I slightly forgot the trivial details, like packing.
    My books were secure, as well as those I was bringing for others. I decided to wait to crack my other slabs. My time to prepare was dwindling and I needed to purchase a new camera, after all I want to document the event.
    This is my first convention in Florida and I hope not my last. Maybe, Supercon is an option, but that would take some very frugal planning, not to mention some serious sales.
    I'm going for signatures mostly by Bill Sienkiewicz and John Beatty. I also brought a brand new blank sketch book for signatures. One I hope to fill. I'm going to skip Neal Adams though.
    If I'm lucky I'll get everything accomplished. I'll let you know as the weekend progresses.
    Thanks for Reading.
    Tnerb

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  16. Tnerb
    Or the quest for the perfect set
    It's happening. The Megacon is only one week away. In less than six days I'll be in Florida and not only do I need to get ready for Megacon, but also for ECCC the week after.
    In essence, this is my vacation, but wouldn't it be cool if it was my job? Going from convention to convention and getting signatures for others?...I digress.
    Bill Sienkiewicz will be at Megacon. My first signature series issues were New Mutants 18 and 19. These were purchased off eBay and stolen by the USPS. It was the second package they stole, but again...I digress.
    Fortunately, the seller had two more. I wound up paying more for them than what I won the first ones for on eBay, but that was inconsequential because this was how I met Rich Henn. Knowing him helped my New Mutants collection grow. Without him I never would have attained the first place spot. That is, for the time that I did hold it anyway.
     
    I cracked three 9.8 copies of my New Mutants collection for signatures at Megacon 2014, even ones that I'm hesitant about. I'm even going to crack a few for John Beatty. Last year when I cracked a few different books, I learned a bit more on the practices and procedures of protecting the comic book. I'm hoping that now, I'll be putting that information to good use.
    Over all I have a good percentage ratio in my favor. If I didn't, I would have stopped cracking my 9.8's a long time ago. Some of the comic books I'm bringing will be turned over for onsite grading, including three for a friend who simply couldn't make it. A few others I'll turn over for pressing that desperately need it if I want a higher grade. With each comic I'll be walking around with Bagofleas and various CGC witnesses to add the coveted signatures. But what I'm adding isn't financial value, or even for the additional registry points. It's for the memories I will make from the convention while getting these signed.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  17. Tnerb
    Or Mint? No thanks, I've got gum.
    There once was a time when I never talked about comic books. I kept quiet, not so much because I didn't have anyone to talk to, but it was my dirty little secret. How would girls react to me reading what most would consider to be childhood stories? Sure, I went into their bedrooms when chance allowed me to sneak upstairs. I saw numerous teddy bears, some of which I purchased for them; but wasn't I supposed to? When a girlfriend (or rather "The" girlfriend) came over, my long boxes sat at the foot of my bed with sheets draped over them in a simple attempt at disguise, and an alarm clock placed on top to finish the look. My secret was safe.
    I wonder now what would have happened if I hadn't hidden them. Would more holiday and birthday gifts be the comic books I so desired?
    In my twenties, my collection expanded. I had 15 long boxes stacked in rows. This time I had sheets layered between the boxes like furniture covered during winter time in a summer home. This room, my bedroom was my haven and when I remember all those comic books stacked there, hidden under sheets, I never thought the Star Wars cookie jars prominently displayed on top were anything other than cool.
    As an adult I have openly discussed my addiction. I write journals about it here on the registry. I blog on "A Shot of Comics", and I discuss it with those people I work with, to their chagrin. I use Instagram to show off my collection and have recently joined a few Facebook pages where I can freely discuss my passion.
    At work I have numerous regulars that come in and will occasionally discuss how they had comic books as a kid, over fifty-sixty years ago. "If only they weren't thrown away...", they would declare.
    Then there are a few that are my age and want to get rid of their collection, with a one percent hope that the books they bought during the early nineties will finally pay a few mortgage payments after purchasing a brand new car. It's even more interesting when they talk as if they know exactly what they are talking about and can give every reason why their "very good" copy should have no problem selling.
    I inwardly cringe when I hear "very good" when chatting with these people. My New Mutants 15 is very good. It's not worth anything. Well, except to me that is. I also love it when I try to explain to these same people that it's near mint that most other collectors strive for, and I'm inevitably corrected that I just don't understand. "The books are in VERY good condition," they would say. I politely nod and wish them luck. Now if they only had an Amazing Fantasy #15 in very good condition, then I might agree with them.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  18. Tnerb

    Order 66

    By Tnerb,

    It's not about Star Wars, it's not.
    Star Wars was a HUGE part of my life. I didn't have lots of toys or comic books like some of my friends or neighbors when I was growing up. Many parents thought this was depicting their love for their children, which possibly means I was not as loved. The few select figures and toy sets I had, I cherished and enjoyed, but it was the numerous times that I went to my "Neverland" thinking I was Luke Skywalker each and every bedtime that I enjoyed most.
    Star Wars might very well have been my gateway drug which eventually led me to collecting comic books. A treasury sized edition of Star Wars littered the bottom of my Pop-pop's care in leu of a floor mat or maybe along with one. Star Wars arrived on the scene in 1977, a mere month after my fifth birthday. For thirteen weeks I sat quietly in the front row immersed in every single scene in front of me. Yes thirteen weeks in a row, it was the only time I would shut up. I would watch the movie, my sister would watch me, and my father would nap.
    In 1980 The Empire Strikes Back was released. In 1983 it was Return of the Jedi. I was 8 and 11 subsequently. 1983 was the same year Marvel published its fourth graphic novel. My comic books consisted of well read copies of Star Wars 11 and 13, Batman 313, Crazy 3, Fear 8, and Sub-Mariner 38. There are a few more but I digress, in fact this whole journal is nothing about what I wanted to write about, the title though grabbed me, much like my imagination as a young child, how could I not collect the dots.
    The comic books I had were staples in my life, much like the furniture in my room. I didn't know how they got there, they just always were. After winning the Copper Age award for best set, I was given a coupon for four free coupons as part of a membership upgrade. I sent four of my childhood comic books in, including one that had my name written on the back.
    The New Mutants was the same title that roped me in, once again not being the first I ever had, but the first I collected. This time it was issue one and not fifteen, that one took a long time to find graded in a 9.8. I joined the registry before purchasing my first graded comic book, it was free. I didn't yet add or contribute in any way until a few years after that.
    The journals section didn't have many at the time and would linger on the left for days, sometimes dare I say, weeks. I wrote for the first time, "My First Journal" and on that same day this was entered.
     
    http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=6441
    It was the seventh written by Bagofleas. There were others I read like Ipersky, Best2u, and a few others. As people started to follow me, I followed a few of them, Bagofleas among them. Over time I decided to follow anyone that followed me. This opened my eyes to a larger collection of not only what I collect but what others collect. I interacted, made friends, and increased my knowledge.
    I thought it was cool when I took first place on the New Mutants set, especially when I was so far behind. I thought it was cool when my first journal hit a 100 views. I thought it was cool when I wrote a 100 journals. Then I was able to lay claim of owning 100 CGC graded comic books, 200...300 and climbing. Currently I'm somewhere around 460, not all of them are registered.
    And the reason why I began to ramble, and the Star Wars reference of a title, I have reached 66 followers. When I learned about the registry I looked at the NGC side too. People followed each other, a lot more there then over on the comic side. We were the under dog. They had more journals per a day as well as a better catalog of registry perks. They still have one that bothers be that we don't have. Over time I wrote and wrote.
    I appreciate the things I do have and I appreciate the 66 followers that had me decide to write a journal like this. I originally was going to write about getting fifty followers. I was at 48, then 51. So I decided to pass. I do watch my numbers, whether it's my place lingering at or around 430, the amount of journals I've written, the amount of graded comic books I have, or even how many followers I have, not to mention I follow the same amount.
    Will I get to a hundred? Will I surpass the 400 threshold? Will five hundred slabs eventually take up place on my shelves? I think so, and I hope you'll join me in my journey, I'm looking forward to joining you on yours.
    Thank you all
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  19. Tnerb

    Battling a Budget

    By Tnerb,

    Or on the precipice.
    It's safe to say I get personal when I write a journal. I told the whole community I was going for a job at CGC and a week later had to tell the same community I didn't get it. Now it's about my budget. For the last week I have been out of work, not due to losing a job, but because of a surgery. The worst part is I can not do any proper cleaning around the house. Last week, the day before I went in for the simple procedure, my boss asked me if I would be in Monday, the same day as the operation. I was aghast that he would even think that I would get my surgery and come in to work the same day.
    This missing week had to be budgeted for. It felt nice to take a week off and not have to worry about my finances. It's the next ten days I have to worry. It's these ten days I need to become part of a miracle...or borrow my parents credit card. Maybe both. I wanted to get both my LongShot series by Art Adams and Ann Nocenti at ECCC, a few more Bill Sienkiewicz at Megacon. A few eBay purchases sprinkled in to try and add a few more graded books to my collection outside my immediate goals. Did I mention John Beatty?
    Last year I had a goal to buy to sell. I got the signatures I wanted, the grades I needed, but fell short of the sales to do it again. It's my fault however. I've been compliant. The chance to work at CGC had me postpone selling them, it would be the best excuse on actually keeping them. My East of West, Lazarus and Ten Grand issues are perfect examples of books I'd like to keep. I did sell a few, of which 75 percent of the sale went towards my bills and the remaining 25 towards items I wanted, although not necessarily CGC graded comic books.
    After these two cons I hope to have some extra money. There's a set I decided to try to get a bit higher up and I'll have to get back on eBay and look for them later. I checked out World Wide Comics as well and saw these books sitting there. This of course was the same way I got into Ka-Zar, the prices of the deal was just too good to pass up. And then...there is the new Bill Sienkiewicz set...
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb.
    The book pictured below is my original copy. It is also the first New Mutants I purchased at my first LCS. Notice that beautiful Spider-Man face where the dreaded bar code would have been if I purchased this at the 7-11 like the three issues before it.

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  20. Tnerb
    Or, a Picture will tell me exactly what to buy...
    I am trying to put a few sets together. For the most part I know what I need, but there are a few select entries I have no idea what they are. I wonder if many of you feel the same. Some of these issue slots were only created because we asked for them. That means the mistakes made are created into the set we asked for.
    There are currently seven separate slots for Thanos Quest. The first two are Thanos Quest #1 & #2. Slot three and Four belong to Thanos Quest #1 & #2 2nd printing. Slot five is the Thanos Quest (2000) reprint. I'm familiar with this cover. It's slots six and seven that concern me. Slot six is written much like slot five as Thanos Quest (2012) and slot seven is reserved for Thanos Quest one shot nn.
    If you hit the shop eBay link it only helps if you're looking for anything in that set, not that particular item, so at first what looked like a good idea is only a redundancy, after all we can look on eBay with better skill and accuracy typing the item in ourselves. I am fortunate I have the first four slots filled along with the seventh. Slot five will take time, but slot six...
    This is where I get confused. On my CGC universal label it is marked as follows: Thanos Quest one shot #nn. Marvel Comics, 9/12. On the comic book itself on the left hand side is a numeric 1 underneath the word "one-shot". The first place holder has his set obscured, so I can't double check there. I like to see the top spots to help with what I have to search for. To my knowledge the 2012 reprint and the #nn copy are the same covers, but are they actually the same comic book? Did CGC count the same issue twice?
    I scoured eBay looking for any variations and only found the same cover with the same UPC codes. If I send the same book in will it get slotted for the sixth slot? Can anyone tell me if they have the book below graded by CGC and placed in Thanos Quest (2012) slot?
    So what I'm getting at is this. What if CGC had a more comprehensive database? The census is great. I love being able to check if the books I need are out there. Like New Mutants 58. What if the census could have pictures of what the comic books look like along with how many are graded? This is totally possible, if not a bit time consuming. What say you CGC? Care to update the registry and database to standards of 2014 and not 2004?
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  21. Tnerb
    Or, who needs a new car when I can have a wallet full of Bills.
    I always wanted to collect certain titles. The problem being is that once I would start I normally have the desire to finish. It doesn't mean I do. Case in point is my Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars. I have six of them, I have had six for a long time, too long in fact. But, as much as I want to get the remaining six a few things have stopped me. Things like getting signatures on my New Mutants collection, getting books graded to sell, or even getting my first commission by...oh wait that's another journal.
    This one is about the newly created Bill Sienkiewicz cover set. Of course I might stay with Marvel, but it allows me to traverse the company line. That's DC, not PGX as far as crossing the company line. I can add Elektra, Moon Knight, and Dazzler to name a few, but it's Batman, Detective Comics, and Lone Wolf and Cub that could be included. I would have stayed away from many of these The Marvel titles are sets I've been interested in, but alwayd stopped shy at either the buy it now price, or my bid was out bid.
     
    I am sure I will be knocked down space after space as others fill the vacuum before me, much what happened in the First Appearance Copper Set. At least now I will happily be able to pick up some unexpected gems. After first meeting Bill S, and confusing him with someone else I told him what I thought as a kid. It wasn't positive either, but he did tell me so did everyone else. He might not be my favorite as he is my brothers but he was the most influential in opening my eyes. Without him I would have feigned interest in Mignola or even revolted at Jae Lee.
    This year I'll see Bill again. And I'll ask him to scrawl on the last two New Mutants I need signed. And then who knows what Bill covers I'll want next.
     
     
    Thanks for Reading.
    Tnerb
    Ps. I am going to try something new. I'm going to try to complete this set, but not necessarily all in a 9.8, but I am thinking all will have to be signed by Bill.

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  22. Tnerb

    It's a LongShot

    By Tnerb,

    The Golden Rule...
    Pass it on...
    Or
    I'm blessed because I know Ronnylama.The odds are in my favor.I remember this series (Longshot) being adorned on the wall of my first LCS. To properly describe how each book was displayed, where each back issue was, where every video game lay would have this journal become endless. I still remember the feeling of awe when I was able to enter into the back room.After purchasing my Daredevil #168, or maybe before Marvel's six issue limited series. I'm not sure, the memory is muddled by the proximity of each purchase date, but I remember buying each back issue in its pristine Mylar bag, a bag I only just removed, at least for three of the issues. Issue 1-3 were changed. I don't know why. Issues 4-6 were still in the same protective sleeves that I purchased them in, including the price stickers on the outside.Longshot became one of my favorite characters, but I only really enjoyed it by Art Adams and Ann Nocenti. Even though the lucky fellow became an X-Man, and sired Shatterstar, I always wanted him to come back again by the same two that created him. This never happened, even amongst rumors. This was before the internet.ECCC is fast approaching and my original issues are ready to be signed by the two of them. I will also crack 1-5 for the same. Issue six will have to accompany me and be cracked there since Whilce Portacio is already on the cover. Even though MegaCon is first, it's ECCC that really has me excited. Last Year RonnyLama invited me out there. After reading my journals about my ASM 129 and telling me that if I truly wanted to chance cracking it for one more signature (Gerry Conway) he would make sure I have a place to stay. After meeting Bagofleas last year I stated it felt like I met my brother. I never stated what it was like when I met RonnyLama. I never stated this because he is a private person, and I wanted to respect his wishes.I still want to respect his wishes, but I needed to say something, because if it wasn't for him, if it wasn't for his kindness and consideration, if it wasn't for his friendship and his karma, I wouldn't be as blessed as I am. Bagofleas is my brother. There is no way around that. RonnyLama is just as important. He is my spirit, my hope, and my anchor. He is the reason that when I have a bad day I can persevere. The thought of him and his karma allows me to continue. Comic books are only a portion of my life, having friends are ever greater, and having a friend in RonnyLama is something I never want to know what it's like without that friendship.So yes, I am looking forward to completing a journey. To see if my Longshots will stack up amongst my other CGC comic books (no greater than a 9.6), but it's a journey that I will be partaking with one of the kindest and most generous person I will ever have the right to know.Thank you RonnyLamaThanks for ReadingTnerbTo see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  23. Tnerb

    Iron Man 55

    By Tnerb,

    Or How I got a Holy Grail
    Before Marvel started to create a successful blockbuster movie series, one of my holy grails was "Iron Man" #55. My infatuation with Thanos began with "Thanos Quest". This two part, deluxe format comic book opened my eyes to how vicious a villain could truly be. His exploits in the "Infinity Gauntlet" sealed him into my top five of the ultimate, vile, and evil menaces of the Marvel universe. Galactus was a force of nature, the Kingpin was greed and gluttony combined, but Thanos loved Death, literally. If any one of the CGC graders are reading this, that "literally" was literally for you.
    Thanos' appearances in Silver Surfer Vol. 3 helped me enjoy his wickedness and solidified the desire to own his first appearance...in any condition, but at the right price. Year in and year out I never bought a copy. A grading company I hated (CGC) and grown to enjoy had arrived onto the market and I still had yet to purchase one. Then the rumors began. Could Thanos be on the silver screen? The prices began to climb, especially anything in a better condition.
    I learned by purchasing a mid-grade copy of Avengers 57 I wasn't going to get a decent copy unless I spent some money. I continued to pass gauging and learning what I would spend on a comic book. Purchasing CGC graded comic books helped me by opening up my wallet a little bit wider. The Sub-Mariner #38 I purchased in a CGC 9.8 was so much lower than the bid I placed on its Suscha News counterpart, but still enough to be an expensive comic book for me.
    I didn't yet attain a copy of Iron Man 55 until I found a despicable scrap worthy of nothing higher than a .5, this was the copy I desired to get. I figured no one would bid on it and every .5 I did bid on to date didn't surpass a quarter of a hundred dollars. I bid three times the amount I was comfortable with before I quit. Fortunately the person I was bidding against quit bidding right before I did.
    I'm happy with my .5, I am. I hope to find more around the issue number in the same grade. Then they can match my others. However, the search, or the desire for a high grade copy continued. Rumors became fact and the cameo at the end if the "Avengers" of Thanos in the "secret ending" had my grail sky rocket.
    A 9.8 was pushed out of my reach. A 9.6 seemed just as unlikely. A 9.4 could become conceivable if I stopped collecting for a few months. Could I buy a raw copy and hope it would be better than the 5.5 SS my Avengers 57 received?
    Then an opportunity arose. A raw copy was found (possibly a previous PGX graded copy) by Lee K and RonnyLama. Both were instrumental in finding this book in such a lovely condition. The trust I had in both of them didn't even get me to haggle with the price. If Lee K told me what the seller wanted I knew that it was good. I asked for a Payment plan and Lee K made sure it happened.
    The book arrived and decided I wanted it graded and signed, but another situation arrived. I just set up an interview with Paul Litch at CGC. Could the days that I collect CGC graded comic books be ending? I decided to bring the book with me on my interview with a few other books to have looked over. The other comic books were just an experiment if I could pick out 9.8's again after the success I had at the NYCC. I packaged the four up with three fractured slabs and brought them with me.
    I did indeed pick 9.8's but the Iron Man 55, the gem of the bunch I didn't even look over. I was afraid. I thought I might curse it. Paul allowed me to turn over the items and he said he would take care if it. And as I sat with Bradley co-grading with him (he did the actual decision on the grading as first graders-although we acted like seven year olds, in this instance first applies to the first ones to look at the comic book). I dismissed the conversation when one of the other graders mentioned Hacktivist, a book I recently reviewed. I wanted to chat about it, but instead I hunkered down. After all I had to prove I could do a job.
    The day passed and before I left I was given my books and I am now the proud owner of a 9.2 copy of one of my lifelong pursuits. I might one day like to get it signed. I have yet to find out word from CGC as of this writing. I was told it could be a few days and Paul would let me know one way or the other, but this article and comic description will not change. Whether I am a CGC employee or not by the time you do read this is immaterial at this point.
    I wanted to write this special thank you as I am on my final leg of my journey home. In another twenty minutes I'll be landing back in Philadelphia and I felt that I had to thank RonnyLama for making sure it was such a nice copy, a huge thank you to Lee K for getting me such a good deal on it and making sure I was able to make payments and lastly Paul Litch for making sure it was graded while I was there. And as I write that last part I can hear some of the other people I worked with for the three days I was there cough out the words "kiss @$$",
    Thank you
    And thank you for reading
    Tnerb

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  24. Tnerb

    My First Megacon

    By Tnerb,

    Or My Second ECCC
    Life is full of misery and disappointment. Today was no different. But I won't let that stop me. Throughout my life there were a few things that brought me comfort. Star Wars was huge at a younger age. Comic books has been constant. And most importantly are my friends. Combining two out of the three seems the thing to do. I just purchased tickets to MegaCon and confirmed with RonnyLama about ECCC. I look forward to the attempt of back to back comic book conventions.
    This will be my first Megacon and I can't wait for ECCC either. Last year I did four conventions, so let's see if I can do five. Do I dare get another Stan Lee signature? Can I have my whole Longshot series signed? I'm going to have to plan meticulously this year because next year might have me skipping cons altogether, after all I still want to traverse Europe. One more Daredevil to be signed at Megacon and then a slew of others at ECCC.
    Stan Lee might be the first one for me for thus year, but it's Art Adams that has me really looking forward to getting some books graded. I have about forty days to plan and if anyone else has any suggestions on who else and what else I would love to hear it. I might have to purchase a higher grade for the Stan Lee signature but I'm thinking about cracking my DD 168. It's only a 9.2, but a press...who know?
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb

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  25. Tnerb

    The Answer

    By Tnerb,

    42
    Ok, without having you wait a whole journal, here's the answer...I will not be working at CGC. It's not that I didn't try, or that I didn't put my money where my mouth is. The powers that be made a decision. And yes I am disappointed, but I have nothing negative to say about them.
    This would have been something brand new, but as my father would say, it is what it is. He would probably use a bunch of other cliches' to boot. I still have yet to tell him. I think I'll do that in person, he hasn't mastered the art of texting.
    So suffice to say I'll throw myself into my writing and catalog my experiences there (what I can) and who knows what else could happen.
    Thank you to everyone for rooting me on. Thank you for the well wishes. And know that I appreciate the faith you have all extended.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb