Cat-Man_America

nothing wrong with a crandall cover. in fact, it was the 18 that got me on the run to begin with. Beeee-eautiful Crandall books, Billy! (worship) I used to have an 18 in the VF/NM range that I regretted selling back in the dark days when I divested myself of my GA collection. Your awesome looking 8.0 just whets my appetite for reacquiring it. I really want to get a run of those Crandall Stormy Foster Hits in high grade ...well, with the possible exception of the awkward looking Gil Fox cover (#22) ...I'm sure that I'll snag that puppy too, but I may not be quite as concerned about grade.

Love this one Billy! Checked back a few pages and couldnt see this one: Wow! Those are super nice Fine covers! At this point, I'm wondering if it's time for his understudy to step up to the plate? Ah, heck, why not give the kid a shot...

But Boots is wearing sandals Wait...is that the Angel creeping up on her is his dashing black swim trunks? Nah, can't be, he's displaying some expression of emotion on his face, my bad You're right, that can't be him. The Angel is emotionless and single-minded about carrying out his mission. Maybe the Angel is, ...is ...part Vulcan!

Those post-war MMs are absolutely beautiful, decepticon. They are cool and you should be very proud of them.

Congratulations! Nice looking copy! I posted a shot of mine yesterday, but your's has a much better scan. This is mine (I hope that folks don't mind the repetition); my only Fine book so far:

I hope so, but if I do it won't be as nice as your copy. I doubt I could afford much better than a 2.0. The prices on Fantastic 3 seem pretty high relative to Fine's other great covers, probably due to Metro's hoarding. thanks, i do treasure it. Billy, that is an awesome book with great eye appeal (looks much better than 5.0); it wouldn't surprise me if someone from Metropolis makes you an offer.

Love this one Richard! At this level I can only wheel out one "top" Fine cover - but even this one is outshone by some of those you've posted! Mind posting your Fight #6 again please? Pretty please? Alanna, Richard (Mr. B), those are really nice books; super Churches! ...Champaign digression: Before being sacked, Coach Potato considered sending in Crandall, but the question remains: Is he ready to replace Fine? Can Stormy Foster save the day? Tune back in tomorrow for the answers! ...Happy New Year folks!

I can't, although hungry sharks, distressed damsels, cool machinery run by cultists and evil dwarves with breast groping idols trying to turn their fair victim into sarcophagi are equally dark themes that crop up on the covers of 6 & 12. I like all of those books, but perhaps it's the composition of mid-range action shots that I prefer over close-ups. In any case (or slab), that Timely spread of Angelic books deserves a tip-o-the Cap from yours truly... ...in fact, several: Thanks, Mr. B. and Happy New Year to you!

VERY Nice!!! The covers to MM numbers 2, 6 & 12 are classics, not that 3 & 8 are hanging out in the side-kicks lounge or anything. Fabulous art from three different master illustrators.

Very Nice, Mr. B! That Fine puppy is high on my wish list; maybe someday we can do some trading. While we're discussing nice looking books this holiday season here are a couple of special goodies from my collection (lumps of Cole aren't so bad) ... ...and THIS, the greatest single issue showcase of Jack Cole's work in my estimation, AND my all time favorite GA book! Note: Many years ago the Mile High copy resided in my collection; this one is very close to the Edgar Church book, condition-wise:

I couldn't disagree with you more on the MM 2 vs MC 1 cover comment , but you do have some gorgeous comic books David ...But is disagreement over an entirely subjective observation based upon different perspectives LOGICAL, ciorac? I have great fondness for Frank R. Paul's Gernsback era Amazing covers and own a number of those pulps in high grade. That doesn't mean that I don't recognize Paul's limitations, but if I came across as condescending of his work or MC#1 it was totally unintended. Sorry that we have a different POV on the Paul (MC#1) and Mazoujian (MM#2) covers, but I suspect we can both appreciate Schomburg in full flight. Cheers. No less logical than agreement I would say........ I'm merely used your post to poke fun at some of my beloved Timely geek brethern who frequent this thread. They know I am a notorious Angel cover hater, no matter who the artist rendering the effort may be. Most of us have known each other many, many years so the themes are quite familiar...if not well trodden. You'll find your Robin haters pop out at the slightest opportunity, your blanket "DC sux" court jesters will traipse in and flash a Schomburg to illustrate their point. But in the end, it is all good natured ribbing, even if the tastes are quite different. Occasionally though, but certainly not me by any means, a boardie or two will engage in a long battle over a certain observation or belief that they feel is manifestly erroneous and, hence, worthy of a long public struggle for capitulation by the other member (or members). Those can be quite entertaining as well. We all love us some funnybooks around these parts though, and based on your style of posting and variety of comics you collect....you'll fit right in. So welcome, and Happy New Year! ...Thanks, bro! I've always been an "art" guy, so I'm gnu to the whole Angel feud cake and the icing folks give it. That comes with learning the ropes I guess. A half-rack of good natured BBQ ribbing was certainly in short order. BTW, I do have quite an appetite during the holiday season, so I should probably apologize for the zany food references or at least provide a decoder ring offer. Maybe I should prepare the Angel in distress folks now to my resolution that MM#12 is high on my want list for the coming year. Oh well, ...Happy New Year to you and all other bored boardies! ...And best wishes for the coming year; may all your GA lusts be fulfilled!

I couldn't disagree with you more on the MM 2 vs MC 1 cover comment , but you do have some gorgeous comic books David ...But is disagreement over an entirely subjective observation based upon different perspectives LOGICAL, ciorac? I have great fondness for Frank R. Paul's Gernsback era Amazing covers and own a number of those pulps in high grade. That doesn't mean that I don't recognize Paul's limitations, but if I came across as condescending of his work or MC#1 it was totally unintended. Thank you for complimenting my Timelys. As a pizza offering, here's another tasty anchovy to peruse... Sorry that we have a different POV on the Paul (MC#1) and Mazoujian (MM#2) covers, but I suspect we can both appreciate Schomburg in full flight. Cheers.

Unfortunately, for the time being I am not. Just too expensive for me to play with at this time. I live vicariously through the pics of others! Roy, I get that vicarious feeling every time I come to this forum!

That's a beauty (thumbs u Thanks, Mr. B!!! Your books are mighty impressive too.

Moderate restoration (spine reinforced, minor color touch, pressing), ...Matt Nelson seemed to think that Bill Sarill may have worked on the book many years ago; I doubt that this one has ever been slabbed. Conservatively, I'd grade it around 7.5 ®. Restoration aside, it's a beautiful book with strong colors, ow-w pages and great eye appeal.

I recall seeing six (?) copies of Fantastic #3 when I visited Metropolis back in July; no idea of condition. At least that's the first thing I remember eye-balling in a display case while awaiting the retrieval of a beguiling Phantom Lady. Of course, Metro may have more copies of Fantastic #3 in their vault. Keep in mind that my recollection is a little vague here. My senses were being inundated by a variety of "shiny objects" that would turn any collector into a drooling puddle of jelly. Truth is, I probably asked about their impressive grouping of Fantastic #3, but my attention was diverted by other things. Maybe someone else knows the real story behind Metropolis presumed "stockpile" of Fantastic #3. All I can say is that it was impressive.

That's a tough one. I think I would say... 1. Fantastic 3 2. Wonderworld 7 3. Hit 5 4. National 7 5. Science 2 ...though the top 3 are basically interchangeable. What are your favorite Fine's? My favorite Fine covers are Hits #1, 5, 7, 17 ...Wonderworld #7 & 8 ...and National #7 and 16. Note: I just added that National #7 to my growing list of desirable Fine books (%#$@$$&) after eye-balling your copy. As a side note, while I revere Fine's covers I'm also impressed by Crandall's Hit covers featuring Stormy Foster (aka "re-imagining Errol Flynn as a costumed hero"), because to my artist's eye Reed Crandall had a grasp of perspective and anatomy that's second to none among comic artists of the era. Still, what's not to love about Lou Fine's covers and interior art? The fluidity of his stylized line work is phenomenal, ...dare I say unique among GA artists. Here is my one Lou Fine cover (hey, ya gotta start somewhere, right?)...

Absotively posilutely, Roy! MM #2 is such a perfect book. Purely from an artistic POV, Frank R. Paul's smokin' hot HT cover for Marvel Comics may be more iconic (what Timely collector doesn't dream of owning one?), but subjectively speaking, Chuck Mazoujian's Angel cover for MM #2 is the more visually stunning composition of those first two covers. Of course the interiors are great too; I think it's fair to say that where Timelys are concerned one usually can judge a book by it's cover. Just for grins, here are a few other classic Timely covers that knock my socks off... S&K's Hitler/Pandora's Box Destroyer cover for Mystic #7... Schomburg's best HT battle covers (#5 & #8)... BTW, do you still flirt with Timelys when not romancing that beeee-eautiful Whiz #2 you recently acquired? Inquiring minds want to know!

Nice Hit 5, October! I've only got one Lou Fine Hit so far (another Red Bee cover), but hoping to snag more next year. I can see why these are on your top 5 list; do you rank your faves in any particular order?

Thanks, Xavier; you're too kind! It's actually a pool table, I just didn't have any Pocket Comics to show off and they wouldn't fit on a Timely table anyway. OTOH, if you don't mind seeing a clever shot made twice, here's a beautifully restored 8.5 MM (originally from Roy's collection). IMO, this book has at least 9.2 eye appeal (conservatively, based upon my impressions), but CGC screeners may be a little tougher on some (m) restored books than others. Even though I'm a huge Schomburg fan, I think that Chuck Mazoujian's 'stache-less version of the Angel (his only cover for Timely?) is one of MM's finest action covers.

That's a classic, Scrooge; looks like we've got an evil sorcery theme going at the moment!

Now we can't have that! Drum roll please..... Dare I say it... The drool factor from all those nice PL covers you guys are sharing would make Betty Page blush!

Thanks, spillred! I'd been looking for a copy of this book in decent grade for years and one just popped up on my ebay search list in the middle of the night! I snagged that puppy without a second thought. That makes twice in a month that a tough Timely found it's way into my collection for less than guide. Welcome to show and tell! Er, I mean the boards! Does "less than guide" include Xmas presies? Not eggs-actly. You see, a strange hypnotic influence would occasionally come over Mr. McShopper (me) when he was diverted from buying gifts for relatives. This... ...for instance: These two books (the MM66 & DM7) were purchased from ebay auctions in December, for ...let's just say... much less than I would've expected.

Thanks, spillred! I'd been looking for a copy of this book in decent grade for years and one just popped up on my ebay search list in the middle of the night! I snagged that puppy without a second thought. That makes twice in a month that a tough Timely found it's way into my collection for less than guide.

Very nice, comixnoir. Thanks for sharing! I've got a couple of nice PL's in my collection, but not that particular issue. Matt Baker's knack for capturing the female form (often in ropes) is just phenomenal. As I mentioned owning a couple of PL's (in appropriate CGC bondage), it's probably just good manners to share an image. I'll hold one back because Phantom Lady is such a tease...