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mzhammer

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Journal Entries posted by mzhammer

  1. mzhammer

    HURRICANE HARVEY COMICS

    By mzhammer,

    I thought some of you might be curious about the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and it's effect on comic book collections and since I have one effected I figured I would share some details.  My wife & I had just bought a house, closing and moving in on August 21st, a Monday.  By Friday our new neighbors were preparing to  evacuate the neighborhood and after a few conversations we decided it would be best to do the same.  Mostly out of shock, all our survivalist skills were thrown out the window as we packed a couple of bags of clothes, a box of valuables like paperwork, jewels and documents and my priceless hand-built guitar.  I had sold off most of my comic book collection before moving to Texas and came out with a single short box which had grown into 3 over the past year, but before we left, I put my most valuable comics in one box and brought it along, just in case.  I had put the two remaining boxes on the top shelf in my closet thinking if the water comes in these should be fine at 6' up.  Well, I was wrong.  The house took on over 9' of water, everything we owned was destroyed including those 2 boxes.  This included a complete set of Wonder Woman New 52 with variants, (thankfully, not my #38 Finch variant) - Wonder Woman Rebirth set, an almost complete set of Wonder Woman Vol 2. & a Green Lantern set I had been recently working.  There's a handful of books I keep kicking myself over not grabbing on the way out, but thankfully the damage is limited to about $1000 bucks and my valuable box survived! 
     Attached are a few photos to check out, the house is our neighbors up the hill from us, we took on a couple more feet.
    Lastly, the good news is we have flood insurance, but the process is taking much longer than you can imagine and may take as long as 2 years.  I will note, the best lesson I can offer anyone is to be sure your most valuable books are in one place so you can quickly grab them if you need too.  




  2. mzhammer
    The hunt is on!
    I've been trying to find the source for CGC sized re-sealable bags that basically, "fit like a glove" - Is anyone familiar with these bags and know who makes them? and where to get them...?
    I've recieved 3 cgc graded books in the past couple of months that came in these bags, but no one seems to know where they come from...? any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks,
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  3. mzhammer

    CGC Vs PGX

    By mzhammer,

    Experience with the "Other Grader"
    As a new collector, one of the first things that came to my attention was grading books. It didn't take long to realize the value and popular choice is CGC... But having read a bit about PGX, I was curious what kind of experiences have any of you had with them? Grading comparability? Turnaround times? Pricing? Etc...?
    I'm sure there has been a lot of conversation surrounding this topic and considering some of the rants about CGC turnaround times, I found myself staring at the PGX site. It's out-dated, almost as if they have gone under... I found it a little "odd" as to why a business like PGX wouldn't go after "more of the pie" - so to speak... It seems to me if their grading is comparable, pricing competitive, ... if they updated their website & included a DB, they could do well...
    On another note, I love the new Uncanny X-Force series!
    it's wodnerful!
  4. mzhammer

    STOLEN COMICS

    By mzhammer,

    FIRST NIC CAGE, THEN ME?!?!!
    I recently had 2 CGC Graded Books stolen from my patio. I was out of town for a couple of nights with my wife and when we got home I found a package had been delivered by USPS, but was not on my doorstep. My neighbor happened to grab one package for me and made a GREAT SAVE, but unfortuantely, 2 issues of ASM #286 & #330 (both 9.8 WHITE Pages) are... what seems... long gone...
    There's always the possibility they will "show up" someday, randomly... it's happened w/ USPS, I'm sure.... However, my guts tells me some of the neighbor kids - or "friends of friends" grabbed it.
    Am now wondering... Can I report it? I've posted a note in the comics here if anyone comes across one, but was wondering if anyone has any suggestions?
  5. mzhammer

    1st Coupon

    By mzhammer,

    Venus 1
    After upgrading my account this year, I told myself I would send off something "cool" to be graded with my coupons. This is the 1st of 4 comics heading to Florida....

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  6. mzhammer

    First Appearance List

    By mzhammer,

    Adding Collections
    I saw a Marvel Copper Age 1st Appearances list was created and thought it might be fun to expand on this idea
    I am working on two lists - Women of Marvel and Men of Marvel first appearances. Needless to say, it is taking a while. Wondering if anyone could help? Have a list handy? Seen one on the web that is helpful? Strictly Marvel - but DC could be next?
    Once it feels semi complete I will add it to the chats and see what everyone thinks?
    Thanks for your time!
  7. mzhammer

    Focus Daniel-Son...

    By mzhammer,

    I'm reminded of Mr. Miyagi when I look at my Collection here on the CGC Collector's Society...
    I've been collecting for almost a year and just recieved a new 9.8 in the mail today, NYX #5. 4 down, 3 to go... I'll never be able to grab the #1 spot in the competitive collection, Macculate has an almost untouchable and beautiful set, but it could be my 1st completed collection.
    What I really need to do is focus on some specific sets. Do you find this problem too? I have a couple of raw collections built up now as well and wonder whether to grade or not...? Hmm... So many decisions need to be made....
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  8. mzhammer
    Part XXIX - Saga!!! (Or, as some would say, SAGAHHHH!!!!)
    This weeks CGC wall features 3 issues of Saga. #4, #7 Variant & #16. This is an awesome series and because of the recent break in publication, I've been able to add a few more issues and get closer to catching up on my collection. One of my top 5 favorite reads right now, this one is going to be a long wonderful run. They've done an amazing job on cover colors for this series and a combo of any 3 issues looks pretty wicked. I'll have to do a few more in the weeks to come.
    Other than that, there's a been a few changes in my collecting habits. I went to warehouse shop and found a couple of comics that sold well, so decided to try a second time without the wife in tow and dug through boxes upon boxes of comics for hours finding nothing very exciting, but did gra a few issues of the Incredible Hulk (A childhood favorite) and decided I'd see if I could put together a complete run. (Now that my Star Wars run is complete) - We'll see how that goes....
    Also went and saw ASM2 opening night which was a horrible idea, but the wife wanted me out of the house. I can say I preferred it to the first one, but was still somehow let down after reflection. It might just be the reboot is too close to the previous series... I find myself constantly comparing the two and though I do like some things better, (the first person swinging through the city) - other things just don't work for me.
    Everybody's a critic!

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  9. mzhammer

    GRADED... AGAIN!

    By mzhammer,

    It's like Christmas out here!
    Another order graded! Well, this order was my CS coupon order,so it's only been 3 weeks since they were sent to CGC and with that, there is some good news and some not so good news.
    I purchased 2 older books from qscomics, Venus 1 & Tales To Astonish 44, both of which graded lower than advertised. I also sent the shop an email lettting them know of the results, as I think it's important that you inform sellers of their grading ability. I try to include that I'm not suggesting they do it on purpose or anything, but that I'll have to take my experience into consideration if I'm going to purchase from them again.
    Venus 1 graded a 2.5, was advertised 3.5 & the Tales To Astonish 44 graded 3.0, while being advertised as a 4.0.
    The one thing that really sticks out to me after this is my foundness for the seller who undergrades. Oh, I love you! There is nothing more exciting than a book coming in higher than anticipated. Which leads me to my good news.
    I was originally looking for 4 older books to send in with my coupon, but I limited it to the two and threw in my second copy of New Mutants Annual 2 and a Ms Marvel 45, the Djurdjevic variant cover.
    The Ms Marvel 45 came in a 9.8 and was another one of my "self imposed" gradings. I think I'm getting better at this! The New Mutants Annual was my second NM (9.4) online purchase... (You may remember my other copy came in at a disappointing 8.5) - well, this time I got a 9.6, so I am quite happy with that!
    Anyway, I'll end this was a special SHOUT OUT to the undergrader, you brings smiles to faces of your customers, please, keep it up!
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  10. mzhammer

    Hammershipdown

    By mzhammer,

    My first CGC Comic Book!
    I received my very first CGC graded comic book yesterday, a copy of Marvel's NYX #3, the 1st appearance of X-23. A 9.8 Universal grade with White pages. Am very excited and have several others coming, but thought I would share the enthusiasm! Woot Woot!
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  11. mzhammer

    Holy Grail

    By mzhammer,

    What's your Holy Grail?
    So, as a newbie out here in comic collecting, I was kind of curious to find out what the "Holy Grail" is for many of you? I know we all have them, and I'm sure once (if ever) you find it and add it to your collection, there is probably a new "Holy Grail" waiting to take it's place.
    But, with that in mind, I was curious to hear any stories about "finding your Holy Grail..." If you have one and wouldn't mind shairng it, I would love to hear it! ...and if you haven't found it yet, I'm curous what your Holy grail is and why?
    Thanks!
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  12. mzhammer

    The Mantel

    By mzhammer,

    August 1972
    Thought I'd share my most recent finds, all classic covers from Marvel in 1972. All CGC 9.4 White Pages for you're viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

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  13. mzhammer

    Limbaugh Vs. Bane

    By mzhammer,

    The Dark Knight Rises ?
    Wondered who else has been following this story? Rush Limbaugh appears to believe that Bane was introduced in the final Batman installment because of his name, "Bane" sounds like "Bain" Capital... I just read Nolan is puzzled by the statements, "I'm not sure how to address something that bizarre, to be honest. I really don't have an answer for it. It's a very particular comment to make."
    That got me wondering... Do & prefer Marvel to DC, or Vice versa? That's a poll I'd like to see! Just out of curiousity.... Not trying to start a political riot, if I wanted that I would have led with Michele Bachmann this week.

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  14. mzhammer

    Three 4 Thursday!

    By mzhammer,

    Part XXVI - SDCC!
    Just got my email notice this morning that tickets are going on sale this Saturday for San Diego CC! I haven't been and am hoping to grab a couple and take my wife. Reminds of several years ago when I was down in SD and had a buddy with Spike TV at the Con. He was going to lend me his badge to check it out, but there was unfortunately, no cell service inside and I never got the chance... Funny thing was the security at the place was the most intense I'd ever seen. Would have been easier to hug the President.
    Anyway, this week I'm sporting a few more Guardians, all issue #1's with 2 from Mr. Quesada & a nice sketch cover of Mr. McNiven's cover. Though they produced less copies of the Quesada sketch, I'm really digging the colors popping on Rocket Raccoon!
    Enjoy!

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  15. mzhammer

    A Sellers Hell....

    By mzhammer,

    how long will it take?
    The frustration this month has been killing me! I posted a journal several weeks ago that I had finally got my Marvel Preview 4 issues back from CGC and was very happy with the 9.6 on one and had planned to sell off the second copy which got a 9.0.
     
     
     
    It appears selling off this comic is becoming quite difficult. I've listed in a week long auction twice now. the first winner did not pay, so i opened a case, had to wait until they had time to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, then put it up for auciton again.
     
     
     
    Same thing, winning bidder never pays. In this case however, they did email me after recieing the invoice and asked for 3 days to pay. I replied, no problem. Here we are a week and half later... I do clearly state in my auciton listing, please pay within 48 hours or contact me if you need more time. and look, I'm a pretty reasonable guy, when people ask for more time, 3 days or a week or whatever, I am totally accommodating. I get what it's like when you wanna grab that book, but the funds are not quite all together. BUT, this is getting a bit ridiculous.
     
     
     
    The killer is that I'm not a really a salesman, I'm a collector. I buy books for me, but you know how it goes, tastes change, something else comes along that is more interesting and I'm off to sell some books. Sometimes i price them for sale, but often times i throw out books in auction, starting at .99 cents... Sometimes i make a little profit, sometimes i loose.
     
     
     
    So, i guess this time around I'll just list it on the chat boards and see if anyone wants it... Thanks for letting me vent! Figured I might be understood here. 8)
     
     
     
    So, for a little good news, i did recieved what is kinda my first real "holy Grail" of a book. Since I started collecting I have had a strong affinity for X-Men 50 and finally won out an auciton for one. check it out!

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  16. mzhammer

    Swipe!

    By mzhammer,

    Ah, those classic covers breath new life...
    Just thought I'd drop a quick journal in the new year and sport some of my fancy cover wipe's. Hope to get the originals in the new year! Enjoy!

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  17. mzhammer
    Or... How many people are out there bidding on stuff and then not buying it...
    I had a few eBay auctions for the end of the year and sold a bunch of stuff, but it never ceases to amaze me that every time I auciton off stuff, there's always one person who wins an item and then never pays.
    I have put together a couple of responses to this problem. First, I send an invoice over and over again, email, but it's always the same thing. There is no response what-so-ever when a person plans to not pay for their winning bid.
    Second, The bidder goes on my block list. At this point it only has to happen once and you'll never get to bid on my stuff again. I do try to inform the bidder they will be blocked from future bids.
    And then, finally, I've debated on this over and over again. With an eBay purchase, a buyers name, address and phone # all appear in an invoice. I've been tempted to call the bidder and say, "Hey, what's up? I'm still waiting for either a payment or a reply to your purchase." - How freaked out would you be if someone called you directly from an eBay purchase? I have the urge to do this, partly for the "comedy" of it, second, to point out to a non-payer, "hey, ! I know where you live and your phone #!" -
    I guess, I'm just really curious if anyone has ever done this before? If so, would love to hear how it went down?
     
    On another note, my latest order finally went "Graded" - What is the wait time now until their shipped? Anyone know?
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  18. mzhammer
    Question for the collector's society....
    Working on a project and could use some help. I'm currently helping a friend with a short film project that includes a comic book. Trying to decide what book would best represent a Holy Grail find worth 5,000 bucks. TMNT #1 is the current choice, but thought I'd pose the question to the group here and see what others might come up with..... I won't be lending any grail books to shoot with, we'll need to create a mock one, but what other comics, title / issue might be worth around the same?
    Thanks all for the help!
    Hope everyone is having a great week!
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  19. mzhammer

    Captain Britain 8

    By mzhammer,

    From the UK
    Just got myself this very cool UK comic. It's big and paper and it's from 1976. Features the first appearance of Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock, who later becomes Psylocke. I've decided I'm gonna ship this one off to CGC for grading. Really hard to tell how to grade this. It looks quite nice, but I'm going try and be hard on myself... I'm guessing the pages will be off-white and it grades 8.5 - This is my "posted" guess at a grade, so we'll see how i do. I'm probably way off and it returns a 6 or 7 or something....
    While I'm at it, plan to include a couple modern comics - new avengers 17 variant w/ ms marvel in the X-Men #101 pose - I jsut love this re-invent of a classic cover - And I've got a campbell variant for X-Men 205 Messiah (1st Hope Summers) - i bought it with a seller convinced it's a 9.8 - What are my odds it comes back 9.6 or 9.4... 2 in 10?
    and lastly... I was pretty skeptical about the AVX, but I'm totally in! I love the premise!

  20. mzhammer

    Five Down

    By mzhammer,

    One to go
    just got X-23 1 Djurdjevic Variant in the mail. Nice! Thanks Beachbum! This makes the fifth comic I have of the 6 comics that make up the X-Men djurdjevic poster. Being a big fan of his work, this cover is simply Beautiful. I love how each of these covers in this series stand so well on their own and then once brought together show a wicked poster! Too bad he and marvel had to split... Maybe he'll come back someday and do something else extra wicked?!?!?!
    What are your favorite modern covers? cover artists?
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  21. mzhammer

    Artist Sets

    By mzhammer,

    Hmmm.... Who are your Favorite Cover Artists?
    It's pretty easy for me to go straight to J Scott Campbell & Marko Djurdjevic as my favorite artists, but I'm a newbie and there are tons of AMAZING artists out there. I put together a list for both and am thinking now I'd like to put one together for McGuinness... Who would you like to see?
  22. mzhammer
    Spoiler Alert!!!
    Kidding... I won't include any spoilers for those who have not seen this, but I did feel like ranting a bit....
    I LOVED IT!!!! After reading many reviews, the hard core fans being over the top about it being the best film ever made, some worries about it possibly feeling too long, a bit too slow, yadda yadda yadda... I just came out of the theatre and was very impressed! I had just seen Amazing Spider-Man last week and was so disappointed with it I began to fear the Batman, but to my shagrin... it really was great! Suspense, surprise, even knowing some of the spoilers, I'm still totally thrilled!
    So, from a skeptic and worry wart, if you haven't seen it, you SHOULD! it's totally worth it! Might even be the best of the 3, though, I'll still need to let it sink in, simmer a bit, but it's up there! My only complaint. DC needs a better opening logo / graphic...
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  23. mzhammer

    You All R Crazy...

    By mzhammer,

    And I love it!
    Does Harvey have a hangover today? I just figured he down 2 bottles of wine and went for it.
    Just reading all the posts from the last few days, commenting on some rants and what not, but it has truly brought a smile to my face today.
    If you think the mass postings were tough here, imagine my work inbox when i tell you that is NOTHING! I do IT support and have recieved almost 1200 emails today alone. Yeah, it's one for the record books here... It's been a rough one, but the "harvey situation" has definately made me feel better.
    so to everyone who contributes to the journals, a big THANK YOU!
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  24. mzhammer

    Auction Mania!

    By mzhammer,

    The excitement took me over the edge...
    Look what showed up in the mail today!
    I was totally stoked from the last ComicLink auction and had originally intented on trying to grab one or the other... Oh, how plans change... I went for both and got em!
    X-Men 101 & 129 - New additions for my 1st Appearance collection.

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  25. mzhammer

    Avengers Assemble!

    By mzhammer,

    It's getting to be that time...
    So, for the past year I've been working on putting together some really nice Grails for my collection & I finally received Captain America today to fulfill my CGC frame! Haven't decided which book to get for the other characters, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, but maybe that will become my mission for the next year??!?!

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