Mmehdy

HA.Com has shown how powerful they were today in the comic book GA/SA world by getting over $5,180,000 in a single day. Sure there were some great deals like Tect #2- 6.5 at 15K and that was a great copy. There was some prices which are well 10X or greater guide for mid range x-men with multiple copies in the same condition. I would be very careful on purchases such as those as they stand to have the greatest risk of price deflation, especially as time on go on.To get great deals, early on in this crisis you are gonna have to carefully pick and chose and timing is gonna be have to be exact on making the right purchase and at the right price for your collection. As reality sets in and we can carefully study the full effects of the damage to the world economy that should give us a clue as to what extent and how long will GA/SA prices decline and also determine our buying strategy time wise. I would sell and probably use HA. com now, if you want to buy at bottom with the most amount of fire power, last December would have been better for selling but that is hindsight. HA seems at this point to be invincible and might be proper place to go for sales, for buying time will tell but i all about the timing.

I agree with you Lou and a second check will probably be sent out and possible a third. But the persons who are buying today and risking today are gambling that this thing is gonna be over quickly. That is not in the cards here as GA/SA prices will have to contend with this virus and its effects for the next 12-18 months minimum. Socialist or not , I believe these checks need to be given out, whether its more GA for your collection or food on your table. But Lou, over time those funds are gonna run out whether its $1200 or $12,000 too and additional Checks and works programs are gonna be needed to help those in need. At some point, when the giveaways are over we are gonna face a new issue and that is payback, there is no such thing as a free lunch as my grandfather used to say. Economic stability is essential for GA/SA consistent price growth over time. It is gonna a while before we ever achieve that, and my best guess is 3 years and then the road up again on GA/SA prices which should take another two years or so. What that means, Lou is if you buy any GA/SA TODAY you had better be able to hold for a minimum of 3 years and probably 5 years to see any light at the end of the tunnel. We a looking at a inflation monster coming down the road. but that is another issue, another fight, and another reality. Just be especially careful in your current GA/SA purchases from this point forward, that is all I am saying and be picky...buy but buy quality not quantity .that's the spirit.

It has the trickle down effect which in turn also depresses lower price levels such as the pin up market as the decline in the Elvgren prices took down a number of lower price pieces try as much as 85% or more. I would say original comic art under $100 bucks, who cares enjoy and you can always donate it and no big deal. Tying up 50K in a 1970;s or 1980's marvel cover in another thing. The dollar amount turns it into a collectable/investment all in one. It is far safer today to buy nice GA as there are a number of resources which you can track current market value including HA and CC archives, GPA and the default of 50 Overstreet price guides to track value historically. It seems in these times, if you are lucky to have non-essential funds to spend you must be very careful on both the purchase and sale side. As far as buying...good deals are out there with or without any virus or economic collapse. But I predict, there will be many more for those who look hardest. I would be very picky unless its a grail book, you MUST set a minimum standard regarding page quality ,markings on the cover, staple condition, level of restoration if any, and cover brightness( avoid any type of fading cover). Set your buying standard and stick to it, there will be a lot of material out there and you should be picky as to buying what you need. Do not let the price dominate you to the point where you vary you standards, as the very the price you think is a steal, declining prices could put much better material at the price level that you considered a steal in the near future for much better material. Really, there are no steals unless it pennies on the dollar, Like how Mile High comics buys at say 5 cents on the dollar a lot of time. Again, unless you are sitting on a pot of gold do not let greed temp you to buy material because its cheap. Buy what you collect and have always wanted and you will be fine, and buy with attitude that you are gonna keep it a very long time, and buy with you heart and not your calculating head.

I believe in any strong economic downturn both supply and demand will be decreased in every market not just GA/SA. . Less buyers and more sellers. I am not suggesting to anybody to "give away" their GA/SA collection but they can certainly make it better but cutting the fat and upgrading the collection by trading up either condition wise or selling restored and buying unrestored CGC books. You having to bid "more" for books than in previous years is gonna change in the next 6 months for several years thereafter. I see a end to it...nothing goes up forever...not stocks, Bonds, GA/SA and we are due for a above the board price correction even before the virus. Look for CGC unrestored books to command even greater price differential as buyers become more picker as time goes on. Holding out for the best price assumes that the person has a choice to sell when and where, there are gonna be some GA/SA collectors that have to sell...to pay rent, food, etc. Selling smartly however would be a better choice of words.

Different animal but I would use caution on the purchases as that market is easier to manipulate price wise by any number of OA dealers. With art to each is own, however what I said above applies, the real effect of this Virus has been felt yet and the OA market is not immune. IF the OA market loses two whales the price reduction could be staggering such as the pin up art market who lost one whale to death and other to bad economic decisions. The GA/SA comic book market is much bigger and can take the blow of some whales leaving. Good luck.

There is a reason for that. When you get hit with a tidal wave such as this Virus which shuts down everything in its path, you, me and whole rest of the world are in shock. Until that shock wears off and reality sets in, GA/SA prices today do not reflect the full impact of this financial crisis. Folks, it is just gonna take time, like the virus we are on its schedule and have little control. The same goes for the Economy both in the USA and world. We are extremely vulnerable at this time, the whole world is and if other governments collapse such as Greece or Italy it would be like a house of cards. We need to find a cure and distribute it before anything else happens. Every board member will feel the full force and impact of what is coming in about next 6 months if you have not felt it today. Unlike the stock market which is subject to flash crashes..we will have a gradual decline over time. I do not see any possibility of a overnight crash in our GA/SA world.Then we will see a gradual upswing which could take years to get back where we were. If there is any possibility that you might sell some GA/SA and they are ungraded...get them graded now, there could be a rush when the market declines and every month will count on what return you can get for your GA. I would restrict my GA/SA buying to only CGC graded books, and the other guys at 25% less and preferred unrestored unless a grail book. If you purchase any ungraded GA/SA send them in CGC at once to preserve your value you paid, as the price should increase because of third party grading and it might be enough to offset the coming price decline. CGC Graded books will command a premium during these tough times where collectors are less likely to take a risk on spending their hard earned $. Play it safe and smart as we are both here for the long run. When we open up again, there will a number of GA/SA collectors who will not have a job, get their hours cut etc. Make sure you have enough to survive for the next 12-18 months before discretionary spending money you might need in the future. If you have none available you are still in the game by selling unwanted or duplicate GA/SA or even trading as that could pick up if a number of collectors are in the same boat. For the upcoming Ha auction this week, there could be some steals and you might want to pay attention especially SA/GA on Sat. Ha lets you consign your unwanted GA/SA books and gives you a advance which you can use as auction credit. That is about the easiest way to trade up EVER. Put your ungraded and restored with them and buy back unrestored CGC GA/SA as it is the biggest no brainer in history. In tough times, we GA/SA collectors get tougher

I think is is working on an upgraded website, but he currently has a sales thread going on CGC...you can check it out.

WOW

great find...WOW

Gator and Bedrock who are comic book dealers are the best place to start. True comic book collectors who have devoted a lifetime to GA/SA collecting, good and fair pricing and great great material...they are both board members and good luck, I hope you build a rewarding collection.

OK? I tried..

Speaking of Cap#1....I reread today Whiz #2, A1, Cap1, and Tec 27 and all the good stuff..the origin stories although I reread the entire Cap#1 on downtime here in San Diego. I am really amazed how good the Whiz#2 Captain Marvel origin story was, and its tough tone....to me it seemed that they never seem to capture that real dark side in 3/4 again. the entire Cap#1 taken as whole packs quite a punch.

Done, in the form of pondering questions...thanks Lou.

The original comic art market will take a much bigger hit than the GA/SA comic book market in the next 2/3 years t. It has been much more manipulated by a close set of comic art dealers who sell between themselves and raise the price up artificially. Right now in that market there are a few whales collectors who are bidding it up, when they go it will be the same thing as the PinUp art market. You have only so many collectors who can pay 50K per comic book cover. I would get now of that market and go into high grade gold...much safer.

Lou Let me respond to you and your interesting comments. 1-" Too much Time in my comic book world" ..how would I ever know, I am never out of it, I live, breath, GA comic books and the History and Smithsonian cable channels. I love the fact that comic books played an important rule in defeating the most evil man in history and at least once a day I think of that Cap #1 cover if not more. Lou you are right, fantasy or real I am all in. 2- "The second and third wave will be much smaller and containable" Historically that is not accurate. Further, today WHO announced that having the virus does not mean you are immune from reacquiring it or possibly reacquiring it in a different strain. If we have no heard immunity we are on a different playing level than ever before on this type of virus. I wish were were Lou, but we are not out of the clear by any means and the longer we are in the dark, the greater the possibility that we will get into the biggest world wide recession ever recorded. At that point,GA comic book collecting is gonna be low on everybody's totem pole. 3-I am not suggesting that you make your GA/SA buying decisions solely on scientists or medical professionals but this is a major factor in that decision. You decision should be based upon where you stand today financially. Bedrock made a early decision to let a major part of of his stock or collection go to just stay in business and help his employees and if people were more like him, it would be a far far better world out there. If you have the resources to last possible 12-18 with no or a limited income and can survive retaining you pre-virus lifestyle, I agree who cares about science. But for the other 99.9% of us..we have very important decisions to make on a LONG TERM basis. Selling today or even buying today is a much risker proposition than before this virus and financial crisis hit. Timing has now become even more critical, especially given the recent GA price increases and a wrong move can you cost you dearly down the road. Just look at peoples actions Lou....the auction houses know the market better than anyone for the long run, they are like the stock market whales or market controllers...If you are lucky in both you follow those moves behind and win. There is a TIDAL WAVE coming and not just for GA/SA comic book collectors but for all collectables in general. Our goal his is to collectively help each other out figure out what is the best thing to do, in these unknown times and we will win and become better in the long run as a stronger and more real community.

GA MARKET CONDITION UPDATE 1-Ha.com Illustration art auction last week: It grossed $1.5 million dollars and Pulp art seemed especially strong on the results. A Virgil Finley Weird Tales 1930's pulp cover sold for $25,000. A Margaret Brundage Weird Tales cover also, sold for $27,500 which I consider a strong price given the piece. The HJ Ward was sold by the previous owner at a loss- It sold for $33,500.00- minus commission and it had sold prior in 2014 for $43,500 plus shipping. That is a substantial loss on investment for 6 years of holding time as well on that Spicy cover. Pulp art in general is rare and it has surprisingly held up. The Pin Up art market as deflated even before this Virus. The Patrick Nagel sold for $112,500, however there is a big premium on Canvas originals which are rare..in the old days it would be a solid $150,000.00 Still it is the best result of all the pin up art post Covid 19. The Edward Runci pin up painting tanked, like it did last auction In October 2109 "Pleasing her Flock sold for in 2011 for $37,343 and 8 years later it sold for $5,250..thats right $5,250-minus commissions so the seller ended up with less than 5K. In that auction . This auction" Wall Paper" mishap got $5,250 minus commission and that piece was sold collector to collector for $16,000 in 2017. Another example was the Peter Driben "Beauty Parade" cover from April 1948 which sold yesterday at $7,187 minus auction commission which means 6K. It had sold previously in 2008 for $11,353...a 12 year hold period. I see further declines in prices due to a ample supply of pantings for a very limited number of collectors. The " Elvgren " market is lukewarm also with one panting not selling even for minimum reserve. 2-Ha Auction next week with the big days on April 30, and May 1: So far bidding has been strong, but for a few over the top Reserve bids. $130K for the oversized Carl Barks panting Surprise Painting is absurd. Also the Frazetta seems high at $250K plus BP. I like the Adventure 40 if it stays under 25K however. I like the current bid on Superman#2 at $13,500 collectors who need that book or want a upgrade should pay attention to that along with Young Allies #1 at only $10,500 you never know what is gonna happen, next week let alone tomorrow. I will keep eye on that auction and I predict there could be some gem deals out there with a better chance on Sat to get those. 3-Recent Auction House ramp up. You are gonna see more emails, more cold calls and more pressure or temptation to sell by the promises of large advances(I received a email myself, it looked like a group one). Why now? Two reasons 1-They realize that collectable markets take time to react to sudden economic events. What that really means is people STIIL have money. That means you had better get it while it still out there. That is why the big push, they are afraid of a second and third wave of this virus, and also of people running out of money the longer this economic downturn is played out waiting for a virus cure. 2-It is your books, you spent the money, they have little or no risk to simply put them up on their website only than the costs associated with the auction. Note Ha has ramped up their buy the comic book direct owner to owner section. This will occur in much greater fashion at time goes on in looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. If this is anything close to the prior Virus in 1918..it appears that the third wave was the worst after people had relaxed. We as true comic book collector have to hope that we are far ahead of our counterparts from 100 years ago. Watch for increased competition to get your material on their website quicker than pre-virus market conditions and that could be another reason why Ha has ramped up those Signature auctions from 4 to six times a year.

they will increase SA's by 33% they have to get good stuff to attract a crowd, I agree

Priceless..amazing set, thank you and CONG

What a classic...super

Especially since Marvel #1 is a second printing of the Sub and Human Torch's appearances. I would take Cap #1 over All Star #8, actually both of them.

Never saw that before, and come on Rick lets finally see that High grade Captain Futures complete set you got from the Ha auction.

Richard has some of the best CGC stock in the businss every time I see him and at Wonder Con especially. His tables are full of great stuff so convention, collection whatever...its gonna be great for all GA collectors.

I have the same issue and agree with you.

I could not of said it better. But I will add that early on, in 1973 Cap#1 cracked $1000 before Batman 1 and Sup #1. It clearly is a great book and has in my opinion one of the greatest timely Hitler covers, the weakness if any is the release date in relation to Bat and Sup #1.Cap#1 might not be Scifyduck"s favorite but in terms of pure value I would take Cap1 over All Star 8 in a New York Minute. In a way it was ahead of its time as it was not until December 1941 that Germany declared war on us officially.

I agree, but with CC new website having some problems as alluded to on another theads,, I would assume that HA would be in a stronger position to offer Bedrock a better return until the new website systems has all of its bugs out, plus the fact that HA at or around that time indicated that they were seeking additional funding at the same time, it looks like HA is the better candidate. I don't think Bedrock would consider CL and certainly not Hankes. I think Ha AT this time would be the best and most logical place those books are ending up as HA's Website is the best in the business. Further it appears Ha is increasing its Major auctions to 6 from 4 per year. It is Bedrocks decision to let the board know when and where his consignment was made and available for the board to find a timeline. Still, save you money, for the Bedrock collection.