troydivision1

Don't think I'll achieve the goal of finishing the year.
Actually retiring this 2023 thread.
Look forward to restarting in 2024...

Have one new book to add in 2024's list.
Have two on deck -
One from the recent Neil Gaiman signing and one from the upcoming Mark Hamill signing 
ANNNDDD possibly another (from a currently unannounced signing) to add in 2024.

My 2024 post my actually bump to 60 books since I discovered the new BCW lockable CGC cases that fit 30 books each versus the cases I have that fit 25 books each.

Incredible Hulk #340
purchased graded (but not signed) in 2014

As mentioned in my Amazing Spider-Man #300 post, Incredible Hulk #340 was my 2nd most desired book when I got back into collecting in 2010.
This copy was purchased as a 9.6 Universal via a VCC.
It was priced below market value.
I grabbed it even though I am not really a fan of newsstand copies.

As the years went on I realized I wanted a to submit it for a Todd McFarlane Signature Series opportunity.
Glad I finally got it done, but honestly upset the book came back a 9.4 afterward.
You win some, you lose some...

Incredible Hulk #181
purchased already graded in 2019

I purchased this book and another (Fantastic Four #48) with monies from eBay sales.
Wolverine is my second favorite Marvel character after Spider-Man.
The goal was to pick up some low grade keys that would appreciate in value over time.

Image United #1 signed by Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino
with remarques from Erik Larsen and Rob Liefeld
purchased raw in 2011

This book was primarily completed at Image Expo 2012 by Joel Elad.
McFarlane's signature was completed via Desert Wind Collectibles in 2013.

When Image Expo was announced I was excited with the nerdy prospect of getting a book signed by all the Image partners / creators / leadership team.
(minus McFarlane who only signed for Desert Wind at the time)
This book came back with not only different marker colors used, but also bonus remarques.
It also came back a 9.6 Signature Series.

When Desert Wind had their next McFarlane signing I decided to send this book to them.
To my surprise it came back a 9.8
The power of the Toddfather?

House of Secrets #92 signed by Louise Simonson and Bernie Wrightson
purchased raw in 2012

Fan Fact:
Louise Simonson (then Louise Jones) was the reference model for this cover.
(see photo #2)

One day in 2012, my friends and I visited a comic store that was having an indoor 'sidewalk' sale.
They placed a bunch of boxes of recently acquired comics and you could fill a short box for $25.
This book, House of Secrets #92, was mixed in with those various books.
Also purchased that day were approximately 20 copies of a local 'bathtub' variant for Hack / Slash #1.
I honestly can not remember any other books that were also in the short box.

Knowing the condition of House of Secrets #92 would keep it from being overly desirable I decided to have it signed by Bernie Wrightson to 'plus up the value'.
Then, it just so happened, Louise Simonson was going to be at the same show.
So, I decided to get both signatures.
My logic being, 'the more signature...the more value...'

Harley Quinn #0 signed and sketched by Jock
purchased raw in 2015

This book was originally submitted for a sketch opportunity for SDCC 2015.
DScott was the facilitator.
Jock did not complete all the submitted sketch submissions before the end of the convention / he had to return overseas.
Those that did not get their sketch completed were told we could get a refund or wait until the next sketch opportunity.
I rolled the dice and figured 'what the heck ?'.

More than a year later I got my book back....

This was envisioned as a counterpart to Jock's Detective Comics #880 cover.
I specifically requested Harley in her 'classic' costume.
My only qualm, especially after waiting over a year, is that there should be a splash of red used.
I really think that would make it [chef's kiss].

One couldn't tell from the photos, but this book has some of the worst Newton rings.
I've wanted to send it in for a reholder, but only do that when I can upgrade the custom label.

Since then Jock sketch opportunities have mentioned 'limited to Batman sketches only' (2021) or 'subject to artist discretion' (2022).
It is interesting to see that his asking price for a sketch has risen from $500 to $925.
Inflation...

Giant-Size X-Men #1
purchased raw in 2014

Purchased raw from my LCS.
It was priced under market value.

It was stored in a Mylar with fullback inside a magazine top loader for a long time.
Eventually prices reached a point that it made sense to get the book graded regardless of condition.

A Game of Thrones #1 Retailer Incentive 'Virgin' Variant signed by George R.R. Martin
purchased raw in 2013

This book was facilitated by Rich Henn at SDCC.
It was completed between Seasons 3 and 4.

Honestly, it was never meant to be a long term hold.
Originally, I planned to off-load it during the final season when fandom was whipped into a frenzy.
We all know how that turned out...
It has since stayed in the personal collection due to the combined 'scarcity' of the book and signature.

Fantastic Four #48
purchased already graded in 2019

My father's favorite Marvel character was the Silver Surfer.
This was purchased in memory of him.

I purchased this book and another (The Incredible Hulk #181) with profits from eBay sales.
The goal was to pick up some low grade keys that would appreciate in value over time.

Detective Comics #880 signed by Jock
purchased raw between 2011 - 2013

To me this is the best modern comic cover ever.

At one point in time I gave serious thought to getting this image tattooed on my forearm.
At another point in time I spoke in-person with Jock's artist rep about purchasing the original cover art.

For this signing event, I sent in my two best copies.
They both came back 9.8s.
Sold one of them immediately to offset the total cost of purchasing the raw books / signing / shipping charges.
I guess this could be considered another 'free' book for the personal collection.

Bonus picture below is a 1 of 25 hand remarqued print purchased from Jock.
(Jock hand-painted / embellished the red 'lips' on the print)

BONUS:
I dare you to not 'see' former President Barack Obama as the inspiration for this image.

Deadline #1
purchased already graded in 2019

This book was purchased to add to my Tank Girl registry set to retain the top spot, BUT it ultimately led to me losing my top spot.
Yes, you read that correctly.

It was purchased with the intent to request that this key issue be added to the Tank Girl registry; as it contains the first full Tank Girl appearance.
The reason was because the person with the 2nd place set was quickly adding (and replacing) issues at a pace that suggested they'd be able to oust me from 1st place (which I had held for 6 years).

Purchased / Received comic in August.
Requested registry set addition.
Was approved and added.
Added my copy and firmly placed myself in first place in September.
Sometime in December I checked the Tank Girl registry and noticed I was in second place.

Yes, within only 5 months I had pushed myself out of first place of the Tank Girl registry by purchasing this book and adding this book to the Tank Girl registry...

The reason I no longer held the top space?
The current top registry holder added a beautiful 9.6 copy of Deadline #1 which awarded them so many registry points that made it mathematically impossible for me to compete.
Unless, I decided to spend thousands of dollars to try and match / beat their 9.6 copy of Deadline #1.

Copra #1 signed by Michel Fiffe
purchased raw in 2012

I learned about / purchased this comic based on an article posted on Comics Alliance.
https://comicsalliance.com/michel-fiffe-copra-review/

I ordered two copies of #1 via Michel's etsy for $5 each.
I held on to them until he made an appearance that would qualify for Signature Series.

Both copies came back 9.8s.
Was honestly worried that the numbering (that was already done prior to the signing) would have resulted in a qualified grade...

Sold one of them immediately to offset the total cost of purchasing the raw books / signing / shipping charges.
Another 'free' book for the personal collection.

Conan #24 'Nude' Variant signed by Kurt Busiek, Tony Harris, Cary Nord, and Dave Stewart
purchased already (halfway) signed / graded in 2012

Purchased below market value via a VCC.
It was already graded a 9.8 with Cary Nord and Tony Harris signatures.
Sent it to Emerald City Comic Con to add more signatures in hopes of adding additional 'value' to the book.
(not something I'd attempt to do now with an already graded 9.8 Signature Series book)

Chamber of Chills #19 - Top 10 Book
purchased raw in 2013

This cover is a stone-cold classic!
Purchased raw via a VCC as an incomplete reader copy.
For the longest time it was stored in a MyLite with a fullback placed inside a magazine top loader.
Prices kept climbing on eBay and I realized it was time to get it graded.

Catwoman #51 signed by Adam Hughes
purchased raw in 2013

How I could I pass up an Adam Hughes cover that references 'LOST'?
This is my favorite Adam Hughes Catwoman cover.
Whilst I initially appreciated his Audrey Hepburn inspired covers more, I slowly changed my tune once he established a 'different' look.

bonus:
This was the second Adam Hughes Signature Series book I owned.
The first was a 9.8 of The Legion of Super-Heroes #23 (Supergirl) Variant.
I sold that book when the Supergirl TV Show was premiering on CBS.
Not a single year has gone by that I don't regret that very dumb decision...

Black Hole #1 signed by Charles Burns
purchased already signed / graded in 2021

Black Hole was the first graphic novel cbr I downloaded / read on my computer when I got back into comics in 2010.
From there I started downloading at least two graphic novels a week to read.
Over the years my comic reading has dropped to zero.

Batman Adventures: Mad Love signed by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm
Remarque by Paul Dini
purchased raw in 2013

Batman: The Animated Series began airing on television whilst I was in high school.
I was instantly enthralled.
It was new and fresh and SO much better than any 'cartoon' I had ever seen outside of bootleg Japanese anime on VHS.
The series expanded upon different villains and added new depth to their stories.
It also introduced / featured new characters.
One of the most popular being Harley Quinn.

Presently, I prefer HBO Max's Harley Quinn Animated Series version of her character.
It removes her from being "Joker's girlfriend" and allows her to be a separate, almost independent person.

As mentioned in my Batman #181 write-up, I was actively working on a Harley Quinn / Poison Ivy classic covers collection at one point.
Personally speaking, this is the absolute best book to have signed and graded; more than Batman Adventures #12.
As it was written / drawn by Harley Quinn's creators, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm.

DScott helped facilitate the signing by Bruce Timm in 2013.
The book came back a 9.4
(Paul Dini was originally scheduled to appear at the same convention, but ended up dropping out.)

Flash-forward to August of 2022 when CGC offered a private Paul Dini signing with remarques.
It was being promoted as Paul Dini's last ever signing.
I shipped my signed Mad Love the day after the announcement.
It came back looking awesome BUT the label was messed up / missing Bruce Timm's info.
So it had to be sent back as a mechanical error.

BONUS:
In addition to the comic getting signed in 2013, I also had the base of my Black & White Harley Quinn statue signed by Bruce Timm.

Batman: The Killing Joke signed by Brian Bolland
purchased already signed / graded in 2021

As mentioned in the first post, I began a mini Alan Moore collection within my overall collection.

I initially read The Killing Joke whilst in high school.
There are two distinct memories I have from it -
1. The 'joke' at the end made me laugh.
2. My dad said I couldn't pull off a young, pre chemical bath 'Joker' haircut.

It wasn't until years later that I read online about the Joker's sexual assault of Barbara and the debate about whether or not Batman kills Joker.
(both of those flew over my head when I first read it)

I'm now of the camp that there was a sexual assault on Barbara AND Commissioner Gordon.
I also believe Batman kills Joker at the end because Batman realized that keeping Joker alive just means more people will be harmed / die.

Batman: Harley Quinn signed by Alex Ross
purchased raw in 2013

For a LONG time, this was the more desired 'first' Harley appearance.

When composing my top ten signature series wish list back in 2011, Alex Ross was on it.
I then had to set about determining which cover to have signed.

This book was chosen because it is an all-time classic!

Two copies were purchased for submitting for the Alex Ross signing.
One had a production cut on the spine and was withheld.
(I should have sent it in anyway...)

Facilitated by Branget
The signature placement and gold pen color are magical...

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 signed by Frank Miller
purchased already signed / graded in 2015

This series was originally released whilst I was in elementary school.
I knew it loomed large in the comic / DC / Batman space, yet it didn't enter my life until high school.
(although...I do remember seeing copies as wall books at local comic stores...)

I was gifted a leather bound copy of The Complete Frank Miller Batman for my 16th birthday.
My mind was blown!
It was the Batman I never knew I wanted to read / see in comics.

Fast forward MANY years and I have not only reunited with comics, but also discovered CGC.
Around this point in time (early 2011) I started making a list of my most wanted Signature Series creators.
Frank Miller was in the top ten.
I began researching and noticed that there hadn't been a signing / appearance in some time.
Rumors, on these boards / in the comic fandom, kept circling back to Frank Miller being ill.
Eventually, I resigned myself that I wouldn't get a signing opportunity and would have to purchase a Signature Series copy via eBay.

Then suddenly there was an international signing.
I began checking eBay once-a-day waiting for Signature Series copies to be posted.
(there always are after signings)
I jumped at the first book that was posted as soon as I saw it.

Eventually, there would be multiple signing / remarque / sketch opportunities that drove the scarcity and value down.
In hindsight, being overzealous ended up with me 'overpaying'.
Am I upset about it? No.
This is my favorite print version of Batman signed by a legend of a writer / artist / creator.

Batman #608 Second Print signed by Jim Lee
purchased raw in 2012

I truly miss when these were bountiful back in the day when stores used Overstreet instead of eBay to price comics.

This copy is 1 of 3 that I purchased for the purpose of being signed by Jim Lee.
At the time, I scooped them up locally for about $35 each.

Funnily enough, back in 2012, the 2nd print of #612 (the sketch version of Superman choking Batman) was hotter.
Presumably it had to do with plot speculation for The Man of Steel...idk...

Anyway, two copies were sent in for the Jim Lee signing at SDCC.
The third copy was sold via eBay as VF/NM in the lead up to the signing.
Both signed copies came back 9.8s
Sold one of them immediately to offset the total cost of purchasing the raw books / signing / shipping charges.
In essence, this copy is / was 'free'.

An interesting observation from tracking its value over time is that the value of this book fluctuates depending whether or not there is a #608 RRP available at auction at the same time.

I think the pose is great BUT the cape is too 'big' and 'billowy'.

On 3/22/2023 at 7:50 PM, 1950's war comics said:

dream come true on the ASM #1 !

I know, right?!
Honestly, it is what drives me to visit flea markets, garage sales, and thrift shops whenever I can.
I have not had a 'score' like that ever again though.
On occasion I have toyed with the idea of selling it for various reasons.
(It isn't on my list of comics that will be with me until the end, but it'll be one of the last to sell...hence it being one of my Top 10...)
I could never pull the trigger due to the novelty of not only showing people an ASM #1 signed by Stan Lee, but MY story of how I got it that keeps it with me.

Batman #423
purchased already graded in 2022

I purchased this book to add another Todd McFarlane signature whenever the next opportunity was announced.
Then an opportunity was announced, BUT CGC could not provide a definitive return date.
The problem was that I was in the process of moving and didn't know where I'd be moving to.
So, it is still unsigned...

Batman #404 signed by Frank Miller
purchased already signed / graded in 2021

I'd initially 'read' / 'discovered' this series whilst in high school when I was gifted The Complete Frank Miller leather bound hard cover (along with a copy of The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told) for my birthday.

I am happy I did not 'rediscover' this story until I was an adult.
The writing / artwork is top notch and was not appreciated by me fully when it was originally released whilst I was in high school.

Now...if only Mazzucchelli would do a SS opportunity...

Batman #181
purchased raw in 2012

Purchased raw via a VCC as GD/VG (3.0).
Came back a 4.0 (VG) once submitted.

This was purchased because at the time I was working on a Harley Quinn / Poison Ivy classic covers collection.
Eventually, I sold almost all of them (only kept my Signature Series Harley covers) because I figured Harley would be at her peak with the release of Suicide Squad.
My plan was to repurchase them cheaper after the movie buzz was gone.
I was wrong.