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Tnerb

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Journal Entries posted by Tnerb

  1. Tnerb

    Not Ready for the NYCC...

    By Tnerb,

    Or, That's no moon, that's a Battle Station
    Wow. I bit off more than I can chew. I brought thirty books with me and the only one I can say that I finished is the lone signature on New Mutants #74 by Bob Wiacek for Bagofleas. I did get a few including Ivan Reis, Ben Templesmith, and Nick Dragotta, but that was only one of a few. I want David Finch to accompany Ivan's, J. Michael Strazynski to be added with Ben's and Jonathan Hickman right with Nick's. The whole point of this was for multiple signatures, and as I was walking around, I wasn't the only one.
    I was able to say hello to Gemma, Brie, Molly, and Mike from CGC. It was easier this year since Mike was located downstairs thanks to Hot Flips, ironically enough a place I've purchased supplies from at numerous shows.
    I couldn't do this without one of my best friends joining me. Which is a good thing I did because not only was she able to keep an eye on my stuff as I went gallivanting around to get signatures, but she was willing to create some sort of line control, God knows I would be scared if I didn't listen to her.
    After a meal, and after the drive home, a decision was made. I'll be packing a bag because it looks like we will be spending the night in New York. I hope anyone who makes it there this weekend has a great time. I have to prep again and as much as I think that I was ready, I will be better prepared next time.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Long day means no editing.

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  2. Tnerb

    An Imaginary World

    By Tnerb,

    Or, Where do I go from here?
    I have always thrust myself into the Marvel Universe with trust and anticipation. In my youth I did this with financial abandon. Now that I am older I am more apt to stop reading a title if I feel that it is not going anywhere. One of those titles I'm giving a last shot at today, but what happens if a title one is collecting is being collected in a CGC 9.8?
    With my New Mutants collection coming to a close I have started a couple other series like Kazar the Savage, the Thing, and Locke and Key. The problem now is how to get rid of them. I bought them because I wanted them at the time and now I don't. I won't sell them for any less than what I bought them for, but this still hinders because I bought them when I craved them rather than thinking the whole thing through.
    So I have asked what next? What should I collect? What series will garnish my attention? Could I sell all the old and start anew? Should I not finish my Secret Wars? Or complete my Longshot series with signatures? And what about the New Mutants mediocre attempt that is known as volume three? Honestly I think Marvel just gave up.
    I have an idea of what to collect next, but I won't jump into the fray yet. I might even make a challenge of it. Maybe even challenge you to guess, what's next?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  3. Tnerb

    PB&J

    By Tnerb,

    Or you got your chocolate in my peanut butter. No, you got your peanut butter innate chocolate.
    Was Matt Nelson destined to be at CGC? His knowledge of the condition of comics is extraordinary and he brought something to CGC previously unattained by the grading industry giant, knowledge. Although pressing is majorly undetectable, if done right, it could also go wrong. CGC is making sure collectors know what those mistakes are over on http://www.cgccomics.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?IDArticle=3595&pressing-defects-cover-shrinkage which has nothing to do with George on Seinfeld.
    What other possibilities could pressing cause? And what happens to the grade if caught. Will it be a lower grade and noted, a dreaded purple label, or maybe even a qualified green. I pressed a few books and under direction found it to be very easily done. I was explained the pitfalls of a mis-press and was careful to follow the instructions to the letter. I am sure the process I was shown was different then the process Matt uses, but what if under his watchful eye pressing eventually becomes restoration?
    Then there is the issue of staining in older books http://www.cgccomics.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?IDArticle=3546& With so many different temperaments and paper and most recently lenticular 3D covers, which possibly are not able to press due to the heat?(Mr. Nelson...any experiments on these books yet?) Pressing is here to stay and I'm glad it is more in the limelight, but not because "everyone is doing it", but because it allows everyone to become aware of it.
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb
    The picture is of a book I want

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  4. Tnerb

    Gopher for a Day

    By Tnerb,

    Or This is why I don't gamble.
    The game occurred and my team lost. I know have to be a place holder for a day, but let's face it, it's not that bad. I'm not much of a gambling man, nor do I talk Sugar Honey Ice Tea, but once in a while I like to have fun and do it anyway.
    Screenwriter3D and I were texting when the mention of a bet arose. I thought it, he said it. I wasn't going to bet a priced possession, or money I don't have. Of course I know the value of having to wait in a line to get signatures for my comic books and thought this would be a good wager.
    A few days later my team was decimated. Most of what I heard on the radio was how high both teams would score. The offense was overrated while the defense was ignored. I watched the first quarter and then it was off to work. The game was on but I couldn't watch it.
    I glanced as the Cowboys scored first and after the game a text came through. Yes, Screenwriter I indeed will be your gopher for the day. I'll gladly stay in line for signatures for you. I only have to say, thank god I didn't say I'd stand in line for you at any of the food vendors, now those are some long lines.
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Hmmm double or nothing sounds good.

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  5. Tnerb

    Only Two Away

    By Tnerb,

    Or I have how many already?
    Only two away
    There are 109 books in the New Mutants 1983 set. Marvel ended the series in 1991, a little before my son was born. The transition of pre-teen to young adult occurred during this sensational copper set. First appearances occurred thorough out the series beginning with the team itself out of the pages of a certain Marvel Graphic Novel #4. There were also deaths and heartbreaks.
    The Black Queen rose from a faux Rome. Illyana came to roost, at first as Peter's little sister and then as the demonic mutant sorceress Magik. Proudstar's little brother made his first appearance as part of the White Queen's, Hellions. The artwork changed beginning with issue 18 as the reigns went from McCleod to Buscema to Sienkiewicz, the latter giving a new twist to comic book art as well as the creation of David Haller, Legion. The creations continue.
    The twenties turned into the thirties and Chris Claremont's story weaved the characters into my life, allowing me to fall asleep while pretending I was one with the Marvel Universe. Leialoha, Adams, and BWS also glamorized the covers by their truly great art styles.
    I climbed through the forties and then with issue fifty, the return of Professor Xavier. Roberto Dacosta could only love the return of Magnum P.I. more. The New Mutants became part of the "Fall" after only shortly being through a massacre. They fought to prove themselves worthy of the "X" Mantle, much like any Robin fought for the Bat, but they were always considered to be X-Babies.
    Louise Simonson held the reigns on what became a floundering title. Spider-Man grew and finally it was time for some new blood in the form of Liefeld. The title would never be the same, and in less than two years, the title would never be. The New Mutants are the underdog, and just like the Incredible Hulk spawning the best character creation of the seventies, then it must be said, the New Mutants with the help of Liefeld, Simonson, and Nicieza created the best character of the nineties.
    Over the past four years I have done my best to attain the top spot on te CGC registry. I accomplished that honor and lost that pleasure after only one year. It did go back to Bagofleas, and rightfully so. We both need only two more. I might never take first place again, although I will try, but I ask myself with only two issues to attain, two issues that do not exist in a 9.8 (yet),what do I collect next?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. And I ask you, if you're not collecting the New Mutants, why aren't you?

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  6. Tnerb

    What are my Comics Worth?

    By Tnerb,

    Or Shall we Delve into FMV?
    On every invoice there's a spot you have to add what you think your comics are worth. This would add up,on the USPS return fees but I always placed in the area the maximum amount I thought they were worth, maybe even more than they were worth. I have seen invoices where people thought five dollars was the fair market value. On a book like that I wrote down at least a hundred.
    My reasoning was I notated the FMV of what I thought the book was worth after it was encapsulated. If my New Mutants 99 disappeared after grading, the book itself is irreplaceable, even if I could get another copy. The grading costs as well, not to mention the shipping costs to get my possession back into my hands. Most of the books I turned over at the NYCC were submitted worth the belief the FMV was between $150 and $200.
    But, how much are they truly worth? If signed, what signatures are worth more than others? Sal Buscema's are rare. Stan Lee's are readily available, but costly. Then there are those who charge fans for each scrawl like Neal Adams and now Chris Claremont. Shouldn't those additional costs add to the bottom line?
    I am actually shocked at how many books I have out there, between these conventions and eBay I keep buying. Eventually the pendulum will swing the other way. With 150 days to go until my next convention I better hope the FMV is what I can sell these for, with what I hope will be a profit to get me to my next convention. Especially with less than five days between the end of one and the start of another. As far as what my collection is worth, I'll get back to you on that.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  7. Tnerb

    Sunday Sunday Sunday

    By Tnerb,

    or Cowboys Vs. Eagles
    As much as I loathe Bagofleas for sending out his critters of destruction to destroy my chances of winning the coveted top spot for the New Mutants two years in a row. I now have to hear Screenwriter3D talk up his vaunted Dallas Cowboys. I mean seriously how does this man call himself a New Yorker and cheer for such a vile despicable excuse of a football team. At least I love my home town team no matter how bad they suck, but the gauntlet has been thrown.
    Our two teams are tied in first place for the NFC East. Of course they are tied at 3-3 respectively, unlike Andy Reid's new team of 6-0. I love hearing my fellow Philadelphians squawk about that one. Let's face it, that's why they say Any Given Sunday...I think. I'll be honest, I'm not a stats kind of guy. I don't know my sports since I never paid attention to my father try to get me to sit next to him and watch the game. Nope, I wanted to go okay with my Star Wars figures.
    As time went by I had an excuse to watch sports. I had a son and I felt that if he ever wanted to know about them I wanted to teach him. I began my sports journey some twenty years ago. My father finally shed a tear, his boy would put away those lousy comic books and begin talking home runs, touchdowns, and goals. Of course it didn't happen like that.
    I started to watch sports more often and now I am at a point of take it or leave it. For instance last weekend I would have rather been exactly where I was, at the NYCC instead of watching football. Of course my father was watching the game. And if you want to know stats, he's the person to ask.
    Anything can happen within the allotted time limit of any sport, especially football, including the Eagles decimating the Cowboys. A friend of mine (he's dead now) and I always bet on the Eagles games. I always picked my favorite team while he picked the opposition. The wager, a $1 per game. I was up six dollars after four years, then he passed away.
    Since then I have never found a sucker since, until now. The vaunted Screenwriter3d will go down. His love for Angela will have him seeing Heaven while his team goes through Hell as he realizes how bad he will lose.
    So here is what I propose Mr Screenwriter, the loser for one day at NYCC 2014, or a show we will both be at if before the NYCC arrives (provided I am not working for cgc) has to be the spot holder for getting signature series books done. IF you win, I will wait with you and either run back to CGC to get a witness or wait in line for you to do so, but WHEN I win you will do the same for me. This is not valid for Saturday since I feel that will be our busiest day. What say you?
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. The he's dead now was a reference my friend would use while telling me a story, and if the story told was about a deceased colleague or buddy, he would follow with "He's dead now." I felt it only proper since I told a story about him, I would honor his memory and throw the terminology in because, well, um...he's dead now.

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  8. Tnerb

    Throwing Away Slabs

    By Tnerb,

    Or Recycling Plastic
    All those cracked cases were piling up in a corner. I can't fully understand why I was keeping them other than maybe to see how many I would crack. The first one I did had my nerves shaking like a student surgeon. After time I got comfortable and looked forward to the next one and the one after that. I even became crazed forcing myself to stop when I was finished.
    My collection is growing a bit quicker than I can accommodate. I now have books to sell and my room is closing in on itself. I could either stop collecting or find a bigger place. The first one won't happen and the second seems unlikely. Of course after the NYCC I will have to slow done. I have two conventions I have plans of attending back to back in March.
    I should gather what I'm willing to sell and place either on the boards or eBay. My thoughts are hopeful, my plans are weak, but all I need is to find that one diamond in the rough. I have 150 days to scrimp and save. I've done it before but I know I have to stop buying today so I can continue to buy tomorrow and make sure when I start cracking my slabs next year to throw them away immediately.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb
    For another bit of the NYCC please follow the following to Circuit42.com
    http://circuit42.com/the-new-york-comic-con/

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  9. Tnerb

    NYCC: A Baltimore Break

    By Tnerb,

    Or But Wait, There's More
    My largest invoice before my most recent submissions at the NYCC was turned in at Baltimore. I cracked ten slabs from my New Mutants collection and added four raw books. These were mostly books I had signed by Sal Buscema, the others by David Finch. A few others were signed, but on a separate invoice designated to CCS. My 14 books just changed from received to verifued. The other single invoice I have marked verified went through the fast track at CCS, after a little snafu, is a single copy invoice containing ASM 181 signed by Sal.
    As for the New Mutants grouping I still have at CCS from the slabs I cracked, I decided to press them as well for two reasons. The first being fear, fear that they won't maintain their grade. The other was to experiment, which I am finding is how I spend the majority of my money. Is pressing a 9.8 really necessary?
    The next convention I am attending is over four months away and I hope by then all my books will be back to me. I think including alternate sources I have about sixty five books out there. A lot more than I ever expected. Although I will be attending Megacon, its counterpart a week later in Seattle is what I really hope to transfer from a blue to a yellow. Art Adams alone will garnish at least ten books from me, including my special edition already triple signed.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  10. Tnerb

    NYCC: CGC and Me

    By Tnerb,

    31 books; 66 Signatures
    10 books; 19 Signatures
    ___________________
    41 books; 85 SignaturesThe attempt for the convention was to get a few books signed. Bagofleas handed me some books in Baltimore and sent a few others a couple weeks later. All in all I had ten books from him for CGC to witness. These were his treasures, especially the first annual for our beloved New Mutants.For this convention I opted to pick the comics I own that I thought would get a 9.8. I carefully picked and chose books I thought would get a 9.8 with a pressing. I decided to add pressing because unfortunately I don't know what is considered to be a manufacturing defect. Out of the thirty books I ran around with I allowed my self to keep three.A 41st book was chosen while at the NYCC. This was given to me courtesy of Image Comics, J. Michael Straczynski, and Tom Mandrake. The latter being the cover artist for my New Mutants #15. I will get into this later. I walked around artist alley and the main floor for the signatures with CGC Witnesses in tow.I would have been finished first thing Saturday Morning if it wasn't for the imposed limit of two by DC for Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder. This added an extra day. With hindsight clarity being at 100% I'm wondering if I could have done more. The first day I was nervous and fearful. I only had two books I cracked while Bagofleas had ten. I made his my first priority. After the NYCC I completed 19 signatures on ten books for my younger brother. I added 31 books with 66 signatures bringing my total for this convention to be 41 books with a total of 85 signatures. Makes me wonder what's next.Thanks for Reading TnerbTo see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  11. Tnerb

    NYCC: Capullo and Snyder

    By Tnerb,

    Or, I'm almost done?
    My limit of three comic books were chosen. I stood patiently waiting, inching closer to payday when the facilitator announced the bad news. The new limit was two. I already had a signed copy of Superman Unchained by Neal Adams of which I wanted Scott Snyder to add his "S". The four batman books I brought were three different covers to the beginning of "Zero Year" and the beginning issue of the new 52.
    Of the the three, two are variants, one being the Black & White with the other from San Diego. The third is the regular cover. Now I was down to two and realized I should have asked my friend to come along rather than let her sleep in. Ah, who the hell am I kidding, no matter how much coffee I'd buy her (or Coach stores I promise to go to) no one likes a cranky friend. I made the tough decision and picked two.
    After making it to the front of the line I thanked Scott for taking the time to be here. I gave him the two I chose, Batman #1 and #21 B&W variant. I mentioned I was sorry to have to omit his scrawl to the Neal Adams signed copy of Superman Unleashed. Scott looked at the DC rep and asked it it would be ok to sign since it already had Neal's on it. I wish I could regal you of what actually transpired, but I was in awe and shocked at his courtesy and kindness. My one book was complete. I shook his hand and thanked him again.
    I slid to the left and greeted Greg. I thought it was really cool when he stopped for a fan that recognized him while we were waiting for Artist Alley to open. I was already pleased that I recognized him as he walked by, but I didn't know if he had his morning coffee. Either I didn't want to bother him or I'm just not much of a fanboy...although I was gushing over Tom Mandrake. My witness Molly (pan... never mind) could attest to that.
    I mentioned my thoughts about this to Greg, he announced that's what we're here for, the fans. Once again not verbatim. He signed my books, thanked me as I thanked him and I walked over to Gemma where my friend was also standing after arriving fifteen minutes prior. I told her the sad news that we would have to arrive early again the next day.
    I brought forty books with me to do and by sheer force of will I am going to get forty books done. We waited next to Gemma until another witness could walk us back. And once back to the booth that Hot Flips generously offered space to Mike and the Signature series crew I began closing invoices starting with the one for fellow registry member Bagofleas, my younger brother.
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  12. Tnerb

    NYCC: Day Three

    By Tnerb,

    Or, is a four day con too long? Or not long enough?
    What is a CGC enthusiast to do? My last two signatures were to be from the dynamic duo Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. The day before Greg was to arrive, Scott was already in attendance, I checked to see if wrist bands were needed to get their signatures. I was told no, but the limit was five. I could live with that. I had four for Greg and five for Scott.
    As I arrived there the next day I got in early enough and did my best to get into a line outside of artist alley. And even though I was up there pretty close, I wasn't close enough. In stead of going straight back I wanted to say good morning to Mike. I already knew he was there since just a little bit earlier I watched him walk past, with two others, carrying boxes. After a quick hello once I arrived fully onto Artist Alley, I was told Gemma was already down there to witness.
    I left the CGC area and as I walked briskly, others ran. After two full days of completing my own personal scavenger hunt for signatures I decided I was too old for this $#..., running to the booth not getting signatures. I got there and if I didn't stop off at CGC I most assuredly would be closer to the front than the back.
    Once the line formed we were told that three was the new imposed limit, not five. I now had one and a half books too many. I skimmed the books I had in hand and made my decision while continuing my wait in line. The time ticked by rather quickly as I talked to two others who had their favorite books with them. The scheduled signing time was 10 to 11:30 and a little before eleven the bad news was told.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  13. Tnerb

    Meeting up after NYCC

    By Tnerb,

    Or, having dinner with friends
    I am sitting here eating in a Mexican restaurant with someone that I can never repay for accompanying me here at the NYCC. I am also here with Dboy and Screenwriter3D finishing a meal before going back to the hotel room and sleep before the next day so I can finish my signature quest.
    This day was a good day and eating with friends even better. These are the reasons why I love this hobby. Even staying at the hotel I ran into Rod Reis who was staying in the same hotel. We chatted and I downloaded a comic he recommended, one he didn't even work on. I'll read it when I'm done writing this. I hope to meet up again with Dboy and Screenwriter3D since it was so much fun today. We did what we needed to do, met up, and did more.
    I also got to see Wallace, who won an item out from under me. I saw James again, someone who my brother talked to a lot in Baltimore, and now I only need to see Gerard, who I saw in Baltimore and met here last year. Thursday I felt overwhelmed, and now I feel like I accomplished something. Tomorrow all I have left for witnessing are Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder...or later today depending on when I post this.
    Thanks for reading.
    Tnerb

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  14. Tnerb

    Collecting and Crossroads

    By Tnerb,

    The darkness beckons and I sleep. The music plays and I dream. And in between I silently curse not knowing which is which.
    The night is getting chilly. I sit awake much later than I should. A stack of comic books make its way from one pile to another. Another stack, this particular pile graded by CGC, awaits my decision to either sell, get signed, or keep. The NYCC is coming closer like a thunderstorm rushing on the wind. I have a small stack of books from my younger brother for signatures at this prestigious event while a couple more than a few are on their way. I have one book I want to add three signatures but the rest are a test. Can I really buy to sell?
    The New Mutants is my favorite series, as much as it is my younger brothers. I might have surpassed him once, but I don't think I ever will again. We both are getting all our books signed by individual or multiple creators, even with the threat of a dropped grade. We both wish this will never happen. It has happened to me before but not on the books I so love.
    For the ones I hope to sell, I wonder will the money I spend on grading come back two fold, or am I just kidding myself? I do have some books that are of value, but are they only of value to me? After the NYCC I have Megacon and ECCC early next year, back to back. How shrewd can I be in my funds? Can I get 15 books signed by Art Adams? Will someone else decide to purchase a book or two off of me to help me continue this habit. Or is it time to stop collecting the way I collect?
    I love reading these books, I truly do. I love the stories and the artwork but do I need them graded by CGC? Are my East of West books a hope that I can buy a book and flip them or is the story of the four horseman of the apocalypse truly a masterpiece by Hickman. Is Lazarus that fun of a book, can Ten Grand ever be worth as much, and can Tom Mandrake's return on Sidekick capture me like his cover on New Mutants 15 did?
    Maybe I just need more money. Or maybe work more? A combination of both? Or maybe I just need to make a game plan and stick with it. Will I ever reclaim the number one spot again? I don't know. Will I try? Of course, but for some reason I feel that I'm missing something. And that I might have to be rid of everything to figure out what.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  15. Tnerb

    My Forth Con

    By Tnerb,

    or the Title Sound Illegal
    Since 2007 I have been going to Wizard World in Philadelphia. Since then they went from an amazing Comic Con to and amazing Pop Culture event. I have become disappointed. The only reason for me to go is for the same weekend grading, which used to be for the same day. Eventually I was able to go to the New York Comic Con and my whole world changed. I knew there was no con that could be better than this. Of course I was proven wrong because the first year after my first NYCC I went to Baltimore and that was strikingly spectacular.
    This year I not only will be at the NYCC, but I went to Baltimore and the travesty that is a Wizard World along with a continental shift and arrived at ECCC. My convention experience is growing as well as my lust to get more and more graded comic books. This time around, with a few exceptions, I am going to try to get signatures, high grades, and prospectively good sales. I wrote a few times to see if I could buy to sell, and I was able to but, not to this extent.
    A couple years ago I did a thirty in thirty. At the time I only wrote my own stuff and it was a testament to see if I could meet a deadline. I survived the thirty in thirty and started to write for someone else. I conquered that and now I hope to conquer once more. Of course my thirty for thirty became closer to 31 since I started this month instead of October, but I digress. I never fully put my money where my mouth was with the buy to sell. I purchased stuff that I didn't mind keeping. This way I had the excuse if it didn't sell, I would happily keep it. The same could be said for the 25 plus books I am bringing to the NYCC. This is the real test. Can I buy to sell?
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb

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  16. Tnerb
    Or Two mistakes from CGC
    I finally have my New Mutants #15 back with me. It's signed by five but only recorded with four. They also took away what Stan Lee wrote which I decided to have him personalize it when I had the book turned over in Philadelphia.
    I called CGC to notify them of their mistakes and thought it was pretty cool I got to talk to Molly who has helped me at the past two shows I went too. My sixteen I wrote about already in a previous journal.
    http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14379
    Molly told me it would be no problem to turn over to them at the NYCC for the corrections. I do enjoy how quickly they are willing to fix their mistakes, but I don't like that they were made. The issue sixteen being mismatched with its 2010 counterpart is unacceptable. I don't understand how the premium grading company can mistake a current age comic book with a copper age comic over twenty five years prior.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  17. Tnerb
    Or, Wow, this really adds up
    I have thirty comic books all bagged and boarded. Three invoices worth of books for CGC and CCS. Twenty eight of the books are raw and I feel that I have the best chance of attaining the grade I want with a press. Without I feel that the books will range between a 9.4 and a 9.6. The funny thing is the last time I felt this way; the books were graded between a 9.6 and a 9.8. I want closer to a guarantee of getting those grades again.
    There is one book however that I feel very strongly shouldn't have been a 9.8, my annual number one of the new mutants. After deciding to upgrade my universal grades to signature series I started to buy doubles because I feared that they wouldn't return with the same grade. When the New Mutants annual #1 was released it was the first annual I ever picked up. The combination of artwork between Bob McLeod and Bill Sienkiewicz with the story that Chris Claremont weaved was mesmerizing. I couldn't get enough of it. Surprising my original issue was graded a 9.4.
    I always said I would never break the slab on this particular annual unless I could get all three signatures on it. I never thought that would happen, but this weekend the chance is happening. I cracked my 9.4 first to make sure I had the proper bags to hold the book without damaging it. After securing my 9.4 I cracked the 9.8. Unfortunately the 9.8 is ripe with manufacturing defects, or are they defects? It will be awhile before I find out, but at least when I do find out so will Bagofleas, because he agreed with me, it's worth the risk for all three signatures, now maybe I should chance it and crack the uncrackable.
    Thanks for Reading
    Lee

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  18. Tnerb

    More to Read, Please

    By Tnerb,

    Or I'm Loving the Journals
    Every morning when I wake up I check the registry, sometimes even before I go to the bathroom, but after I feed my cat. Recently I have been checking my status of my invoices, but the reason I use most to turn on my computer...or use my iPhone, is to read the journals on the registry. At times a journal could sit in the top spot for days. I am happy to say that I love seeing enough new journals I have to hit the "view more journals" link to...well, view more journals.
     
    I think it is so cool to see what others collect and wish to talk about. Neal Adams first book being an Archie title was an interesting tidbit. Bagofleas touching on manufacturing defects was something we've discussed. Brandon's quest for his Golden Justice League books are just a few. I hope that after I post this I'll wake up to a few more.
     
    Then I also enjoy writing them (I don't think I really had to write that). Sometimes I'm personal, other times I'm ambiguous, and hopefully from time to time I'm informative. I have had good feed back and appreciate any criticism given. I hope if you're reading this now you might decide to write another journal, or maybe even your first one.
    By the way, please follow the link to read Bagofleas aforementioned journal about manufacturing defects, I thought it was interesting and will touch up about it as well.
    http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14385
     
    Thanks for reading
    Tnerb
    Ps. Picture below are two books going to the NYCC for triple signatures.

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  19. Tnerb
    or the 501st + one
    My favorite CGC graded comic book is on its way back home. This book has been graded so far a total of four times. The first time receiving a Universal Blue 4.5, each time after a horrendous yellow. I decided to get this book signed by anyone who was mentioned in the credits on the very first page which includes not only Stan Lee, but also the creators.
    Five signatures now appear on the cover. I even had Stan Lee add a little more than his scrawl. Jim Shooter is the next possible name to be added, but the one I want most of all is Tom Mandrake. I hope that he will appear somewhere especially with his recent work in Sidekick.
    This is more a labor of love creating a thousand dollar comic book not worth a thousand dollars. My 9.8 copy was also signed which I decided as Bagofleas did to have it go through CCS. I didn't do this to all if them, just some that I wanted to have that extra care. I already have 14 of my books from the Baltimore Comic Con in the received stage. Most of which are the New Mutants I decided against having to press, a savings of over $150.
    My New Mutants is scheduled to be home this Tuesday sometime before the end of day. Fortunately, I am off. Maybe I'll lounge outside and wait while reading my first Omnibus that I purchased on sale at Wade's Comic Madness in Levittown, PA. Now I must go, I have to continue getting ready for the NYCC.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  20. Tnerb
    The following is long. I am not anti CGC. I still enjoy what this company does, but I had to write the following based off my own experiences. This makes me question if a simple mistake can't be caught then how can they be trusted to grade my most cherished objects. Mind you the following is not a sought after comic, it's a book I purchased a long time ago. Any and all comments are welcomed by members and CGC employees. Thank you.
    Part I: The mistakes CGC makes
    What is quality control? It seems invoices take a step back when they go from "graded" to "grading/quality control". This small nitpick is a simple observation. If they flipped the terminology around, I wouldn't have paid attention. Three of the invoices I turned over to CGC at the Baltimore Comic Con in early September made its way to "order status" on my registry page rather quickly. Two were fast tracked while the third is still under the "received" stage. The first two are two book invoices. One was for the universal label while the second was under CGC's signature series.
    I watched amused knowing they made a mistake and yet I did nothing to change the outcome. I could have called to alert them of the Faux pas but opted against it. The reason, well I wanted something to write about and if it happens to me it happens to others. I have found people will praise CGC, but equally they will despise them. Why hate a third party company that makes no money with the comic books but only charge a modicum sum to grade the comic books we send in. We do ask for it don't we. That is only my opinion, although why a collector might hate CGC could be mistakes like the following, please bear with me.
    I don't get how a grade is debated between CGC between graders. I picture a formula with what is and isn't allowed to be I each grade, not a best of three. Between two different comic shops I can understand how one might disagree with another. In fact that was the premise behind a third party grading company which spawned CGC. This way a collector didn't have to haggle over the condition of the book, only the price.
    Part II: A flaw is a flaw.
    A folded page, a nicked corner, a rusty stable, or a even a Lucky Charms marshmallow stain can decrease the condition of a comic book. A shift of newly purchased books thought to be secured in a bag could cause a spectacular looking book drop from a hopeful 9.8 to a disgraced 9.6. There are many times I purchased a flawless book at Fat Jack's Comicrypt that were somehow damaged by my impatience to read one or two of them on the way home.
    I understand not counting a defect if the flaw is a manufacturing error, after all if every book has the same defect there is an impossibility inherited that perfection could be attained, which draws the question, can a book with a manufacturing defect achieve a gem mint grade? However we can get into that another day. This time around I want to talk about a simple mistake that should have been caught.
    A long process of storytelling follows if not necessarily in story form.
    Part III: Bouncing through Baltimore
    Bagofleas and I merrily trekked throughout the Baltimore convention center getting our beloved New Mutants books among others for signings for CGC's Signature Series. We are hoping upon hope that the books we turned in will retain the 9.8 they previously were. I do understand that mishandling a book could happen allowing a 9.8 to drop to a 9.6, and even a 9.4 which previously happened to me. This is also why I started to handle my own books the best I can.
    Unfortunately circumstances occurred that our best bet would be to turn these beauties over to Mike for Sal Buscema's signature. CGC set it up and our original fear was not being able to get Sal Buscema's autograph was surpassed once we found out the Simonson's were sick and possibly not able to attend. We both trusted Mike to take care of our books implicitly, especially since he is in charge of the signature series designation. This added an additional ten dollars per book.
    The books I turned over for Sal 's scrawl were spread across four different invoices. Two made their way to CCS for pressing. I decided to have them go that route just in case after all a 9.8 isn't always necessarily a 9.8. The second grouping was through CGC which includes the speed of a slow boat to China, which subsequently reminds me of a Superman comic book. The last invoice contained two books that Sal signed from my own personal collection which contained two issues.
    Part IV: Two issues
    My issue 15 now has Chris Claremont, Stan Lee, Bob McLeod, Louise Simonson (Jones) and Sal Buscema's signatures across the cover. Issue 16 has two, Sal being one of them. I put these 4.5's through the fast track service because I want them home and sure enough they have made their way through the grading process pretty quickly, too quickly I might add. Especially the verification process. As everyone knows the first part of the process is the "received,verified" stage. My two issues only took a day to change from "received" to "verified". This allows me to see the books listed with minor information. However, this minor but important data includes title, issue # and date.
    CGC has marked that verified means the following:
    Verification is a detailed check that the title, publisher, and issue number of the comics match the information on the submission form.
    This should be very important and easy. How difficult could it be to make sure the book listed is the book in hand? Another important factor CGC describes for their quality control process.
    The quality control process is when graded and encapsulated comics are re-examined by a grader to make certain that their labels are correct for both the grade and its accompanying descriptive information. He also inspects each comic for any major flaws on its holder.
    I'm sure these two books were easy to grade. All the nicks and flaws make these the pinnacle of my collection, but before I knew it, the invoice went from the above aforementioned "verification" to "grading/quality control". Not bad for fast track. But there's one major problem. Quality control sucks at CGC. Of course that could go hand in hand with the verification process. How could someone misinterpret a book from 2010 and 1984, especially since the book was signed by the artist of the book from 1984, not 2010?
    Saying CGC's quality process is harsh. After all their business is increasing and multiplying exponentially making their jobs tougher. Collectors like me and others keep them busy. I am not saying that CGC will never have my business again especially since I like what they do. I even admitted freely after I first heard about a grading company placing comic books in an insensitive plastic case was appalling. I would never be able to read these beautiful stories again. What right did they have?
    Part V: Rectifying a problem
    A decade after these thoughts and I have praised them and been overjoyed with the books I have acquired, but what is going on at CGC when an X-Men #137 was numbered #132, my New Mutants #4 was labeled with Spider-Man #1 on top, or my annual #4 was returned as a qualified green label at Wizard World Philadelphia with the witness a bare few feet away, and a purchase made cheaper because the auction had labeled a book what CGC labeled it allowing me to purchase a 9.8 copy of New Mutants Vol. 1 #17 and NOT Vol. 3 #17.
    Of course I could be prematurely writing this because it is still days before the invoice will be marked shipped. I estimate that Friday I shall find out if they did mess up or if they caught it but my iss

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  21. Tnerb

    My 500th Journal

    By Tnerb,

    Or Thank You CGC
    The journal after this one will be long. It will also be a bit negative AGAINST CGC. This will have to wait until my next journal. This journal however being a milestone should be to thank the people at CGC themselves. The first person that I really dealt with at CGC was Gemma. This person helped me so much in the beginning by making sure I had a voice on the chat boards. I can't thank her enough for that.
    Mike is another one that has always been around the CGC both coordinating and making sure books are properly taken care of for the signature series at what now seems like numerous conventions I have had the pleasure to attend. He took this over from Joe and is handling this stressful job (at times) with flying colors. At these events there are times I have to be patient since everyone is garnering for his attention, but by the end of the convention he has everything done for you, even fixing a qualified green label to yellow by an overlooked situation.
    Brie is another one that I see at the shows. She is also another one that is polite and easy to talk to. And if I misspelled her name...I blame my editor Bagofleas for making the correction. If its correct, I take all the credit. Molly (pants) who might kill me for referring to her as such is also a great companion and witness, when needed. Her smile seems infectious. One time I had the luxury to sit with two graders a day before a convention speaking to them at length about the "secret sauce", and then there is Matt Nelson.
    All in all, EVERYONE I have dealt with at CGC has been at one time or another a great help. This company I first admonished helped me not only fallback in love with collecting at a time that was really rough for me, but they gave me an avenue to express myself and after 500 journals I must say as publicly as I can...
     
    THANK YOU CGC
    Thanks for Reading
     
    Tnerb

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  22. Tnerb
    Or Comic Books for a Hundred, Alex
    Getting my first 9.9 was a pretty cool feeling even if it wasn't one of my coveted New Mutants. The 3D covers however are made of thicker card stock so getting a higher grade seemed statistically in my favor. The question is can I pull it off again with books I want to bring to the NYCC.
    I have some Batman comics I want to have signed along with East of West, Lazarus, Ten Grand, and multiple random books here and there other than what I am bringing for Bagofleas. I will only be cracking one slab for this convention, all the other books are raw copies I read. Some of them will need to be pressed. They don't look perfect.
    This hobby isn't cheap, but the rewards of having a comic book achieve what you want it to achieve for personal glory is well worth it. It's when you I am attempting to sell that makes the decision for me that much harder. High grades is all anyone wants for current books. Of course this begs me to ask, how honest am I with my grading and how good are my eyes?
     
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb.

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  23. Tnerb

    Waiting for Delivery

    By Tnerb,

    Or Is November to difficult to do 30 in 30?
    I love those little tiny emails from Kim. You know the ones that have a tracking number attached to them. Ever since I've had multiple packages stolen from me courtesy of the USPS I started to have the packages sent to my fathers, but now with UPS as an option I don't have to wait any additional time before going to visit.
    The delivery date is today, Oct. 2nd, 2013. The delivery time states by end of day, not even end of business day. Of course being a Wednesday and slightly after UPS marked my package as out for delivery, I am on public transit going to see my father for coffee and to watch "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D". I'm still amazed he can work the DVR.
    The original census for The Joker (3D cover) had only one in a 9.9. That number has since grown. I wasn't the only person with the idea of selling it on eBay. There are already multiple copies at the price I was going to sell it. I'm pleased to know I'm in the price range of what I think it's worth, which doesn't mean that's what the potential buyer thinks it's worth. Only time will tell.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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  24. Tnerb

    Even the UPS Driver

    By Tnerb,

    Or it wasn't even the books I was looking for.
    I just recently signed for a package that was delivered through UPS. It first arrived Friday, time stamped at about two thirty. This was only a few minutes before I left for work. I knew it wasn't from CGC since that is due to arrive on October second. It is promised to be delivered by the end of the day. This means I might get another little yellow and brown UPS InfoNotice. I don't mind these. It just gives me a little notice that I should pay attention.
     
    On the second delivery notice of my unknown package I realized over the weekend it was the bags I ordered to get my books ready for the NYCC. I even picked dup a new size to see if they would work...yea bad idea there and currently a waste of money. But, anyway my buzzer rang a little after twelve and sure enough the bags and boards I ordered arrived. Not bad for a claimed 7-14 business says. It was there in four. I mentioned to the UPS driver I would see him later in the week. He asked if I would be there on which I replied I wasn't sure. And then he asked well, "What do you want me to do?"
     
    What do you mean what do I want you to do? I want you to deliver the box. I was put off a bit by this. He even started to tell me to contact the people shipping me items and tell them when I want it delivered. First the UPS pisses me off by stealing my packages so I was happy when CGC started to add UPS as a third cheaper option, but I think it is time to look into getting a Fed Ex account. Whenever I had delivery service from them I would even get a courtesy call asking if I was home since they were just around the corner. Between UPS and USPS I wonder if it's the whole initial thing. Either way, tomorrow I have a 9.8 and a 9.9 coming home...and just wait until I tell you about my 4.5's
     
    Thanks for Reading.
     
    Tnerb

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  25. Tnerb

    Attaining A First

    By Tnerb,

    Or Surfe99 has more control than me
    I sent two books to CGC via the Baltimore comic con. In total I used six different invoices. The majority of these were for the signature series, or maybe 91.3% would be better. Two of the books happened to be the Joker 3D variant of Batman 23.1. I am using these in the hopes I can train myself to flip comic books.
    I looked these over as best I could and being as hard on these books as I am on the books I previously purchased as a 9.8,I graded them for what I saw and deducted points anyway. I would rather be pleasantly surprised rather than mildly disappointed.
    I knew one would be a 9.8, while the other I was thinking a 9.6. I even thought about not turning them over at all. The money I used to get two books graded under the universal label could have gone towards a signature series book. I also had the upcoming NYCC to get ready for.
    After what felt like no time at all, the books were finally graded and marked as shipped. I didn't read these comic books. I bought them for the sole reason to sell and I knew getting a 9.6 on one would be a disaster. This disaster was averted when I looked immediately at the results. One book lingered at the coveted 9.8, but the other one became my first 9.9 I ever submitted, look out New mutants submissions, here I come.
    Thanks for Reading
    Tnerb

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