Underground44

I honestly could care less if a book would translate to a screenplay/TV show/movie or whatever.

If it's a well written book with good art it will do well.... Simple.

Way too many books are written with TV shows or movies in mind these days.

Name how many new books that have ACTUALLY been successful as a TV show where that success has effected a new books sales or price? (other than TWD) I'm not talking about announcements or rumors. I'm talking about ACTUAL shows or movies on air.

Abusing people on Twitter. Brian Bendis is the latest...

 

I sure wish I didn't read that tweet stream...

 

I don't 'Twitter'. What did it say?

From Larry:

"@BRIANMBENDIS sure thing . You support digital & big box throughout the year & NOW you want to be the LCS champion? F!U!"

I'm not sure what the context of the conversation was but I'm sure Larry will chime in and let us know. I would be interested to know actually.

Abusing people on Twitter. Brian Bendis is the latest...

 

I sure wish I didn't read that tweet stream...

Abusing people on Twitter. Brian Bendis is the latest...

I agree with most of your post Andy. I do, however, feel in my gut and a little common sense that the announced print runs from image are skewed. For example, there have been 253 copies of Bedlam 1 NYCC listed and sold since OCT 30th on ebay. That isn't counting those board members have listed here or ones sitting at CGC being graded as we speak.

 

Do I think the numbers are off in a gross amount? No, but it leaves room for question. Not only for that one book but the others as well.

I agree with you totally that the figures are probably wrong. In 12 months - 2 years time someone will look up the print run on Comic Chronicles and it will say 22,627. Right or wrong - that will be what everyone believes it to be and until there's proof otherwise, that's what I will believe it is.

Richard is a great guy to deal with.

The 50+ books that I recieved were all packed really well and arrived in perfect condition to me over here in Australia.

He also went the extra mile and sourced out some mylar bags for me which are really tough for me to get.

Top Notch (thumbs u

Wasn't djbrady4u on eBay called out as a grader for PGX? He gave himself a 10.0 revival and is trying to sell it, .

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REVIVAL-1-PGX-10-0-1st-print-Highest-Graded-Copy-1-of-only-1-/150949396911?pt=US_Comic_Books&hash=item23254901af

 

Check out the lower staple...There is a dent.

There's no dent. I'm sure its just the art.

 

I saw that listing. You're better off buying a regular CGC 9.8 TBH. I wouldn't touch it unless you intend on keeping it and NEVER selling.

 

Pic is either cropped or the scanner just cut it off. You cant even see the bottom of the book.

But you can see the bottom staple. I think that's what lostpike was referring to.

Wasn't djbrady4u on eBay called out as a grader for PGX? He gave himself a 10.0 revival and is trying to sell it, .

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REVIVAL-1-PGX-10-0-1st-print-Highest-Graded-Copy-1-of-only-1-/150949396911?pt=US_Comic_Books&hash=item23254901af

 

Check out the lower staple...There is a dent.

There's no dent. I'm sure its just the art.

I saw that listing. You're better off buying a regular CGC 9.8 TBH. I wouldn't touch it unless you intend on keeping it and NEVER selling.

#5 was a great read. It's definitely picked up the pace a bit and I didn't want it to end.

A lot of books lose my interest at around issue 5 or 6 but this book is gaining momentum with a steady build. REALLY Great stuff!

What's the record for the most amount of pages in a Non-stickied thread?

Converserly, as undergraded books are identified and flip hands and work their way through the ringer(s) (and make no mistake, there are books out there that have been pressed, re-pressed, and post-re-pressed as the new "owners/investors" have no history that a book has already been pressed and re-pressed), the % of overgraded CGC books will increase as each book is maxed out. That, and the loosening of CGC's standards over the last few years, has resulted in an overall population of CGC graded books that lean towards the low end of the grade spectrum.

The fact that a book as expensive as the Pacific Coast Hulk 1 has been resubbed many times tells me that the more expensive/rare/highly sought after a book is, the more likely it is that it'll have a "checkered" resub history. Combine that with your point about overgraded/overworked books and the astronomical rise in the prices of many key books, and you can only conclude that buyers will continue to get far less for their collecting dollar.

 

If I had money that I couldn't afford to lose tied up in books, I'd be dumping like it's hot.

A little data to support a rational argument. Here's a snapshot of the PC TOS run.

 

These books were run through the ringer multiple times. High grade to start with, but that wasn't quite enough.

 

Every squeeze was undertaken to maximize their monetary potential...

 

 

that's beautiful.

 

I'm impressed with how much pressing improves page quality

I was thinking the exact same thing myself

I'm relating the two because if CGC were "doing all that they could" to address turnaround times, they would have done that first before aquiring CI.

This won't help turnaround times will it?

 

 

 

CGC did not acquire CI.

 

 

Their parent company, CCG, did.

So will THAT help turnaround times then?

Posted by the OP one week ago:

 

To all our customers:

 

All of us at CGC take pride in what we do. In order to accurately grade books they must each be given a certain amount of time and attention. We can’t shorten the grading process in order to move things along more quickly. We understand your frustration regarding grading turn around times and are doing everything in our power to reduce the time between submitting and receiving your graded and encapsulated books. Although being overwhelmed with submissions is a great issue that we don’t want to complain about, it is still an issue none the less. We’d like you to know that we are working 10 hour days and have been working six days a week in an attempt to alleviate the issues with turn around times. We are also looking to hire additional Graders. If you’d like more information or are interested in applying, please check the Careers page of our website for all the details.

 

Please be patient and keep in mind that we are doing our best to get your books back to you properly graded and encapsulated in order to maintain the integrity of what we do and the hobby we do it for.

 

How is aquiring another company addressing ANY of the turnaround issues?

Why are you relating the two? They are different things altogether.

I'm relating the two because if CGC were "doing all that they could" to address turnaround times, they would have done that first before aquiring CI.

This won't help turnaround times will it?

Posted by the OP one week ago:

To all our customers:

 

All of us at CGC take pride in what we do. In order to accurately grade books they must each be given a certain amount of time and attention. We can’t shorten the grading process in order to move things along more quickly. We understand your frustration regarding grading turn around times and are doing everything in our power to reduce the time between submitting and receiving your graded and encapsulated books. Although being overwhelmed with submissions is a great issue that we don’t want to complain about, it is still an issue none the less. We’d like you to know that we are working 10 hour days and have been working six days a week in an attempt to alleviate the issues with turn around times. We are also looking to hire additional Graders. If you’d like more information or are interested in applying, please check the Careers page of our website for all the details.

 

Please be patient and keep in mind that we are doing our best to get your books back to you properly graded and encapsulated in order to maintain the integrity of what we do and the hobby we do it for.

How is aquiring another company addressing ANY of the turnaround issues?

bump

does this thread really need a bump?

Think my short collecting experience is coming to an end

Comics are collectable outside of slabs too.

(thumbs u And that's exactly what I'll be doing until TT's are back down to 60 days or a legitimate competitor comes into the market.

Time to stock up on Mylars and Full Backs

I've used Classics quite a bit on marginal 9.8 candidates when I was filling my Avengers and X-men runs. I have to admit that I am totally not thrilled by this. Aside from the other points raised, Matt's services are already pretty slow and CGC's are ridiculous. Combine the two and you could have books sittingat CGC for a year or more.

THIS.

CGC does NOT care about turnaround times. They can write messages in the forum crying about how upset they are about the wait times and what they are doing to address them. In the meantime they work their staff 10 hours days+ 6 days a week.

If they cared they would fix TT's first.

Yes I know all the arguments about paying graders / getting staff etc. Boo Hoo.

If you like waiting a year for your books go ahead. I'm voting with my wallet and waiting until another reputable company comes to the market before I grade anything else. I'm done with this BS

This is the penultimate pressing thread.

 

Another floating doo doo in the CGC board's pool. ::

 

Have a few scotches, and laugh a little. They're just comics.

 

For the most part comics that had a little value of less than a dollar until someone put a 9.8 or sig on them. Think about it,as most bronze, copper and modern comic book books valued at nm in Overstreet go for a few dollars at best in nm, but when you put that 9.6 or 9.8 label on them, then the value goes up significantly or if the 9.8 doesn`t work, then add a sig as well for the book to have some value.

It`s all about artificial value created for the majority of these comics because if you took off that 9.8 or it didn`t get that sig with someone witnessing it, then the nm comic reverts back to being worth to less than a dollar.

Myself from now on I am sticking to just golden age and silver age comics to be certified,as the rest of the market just doesn`t seem like a good bet, unless they are super uber keys.

Who cares if I get the latest issue of the Image hot comic book in 9.8 and sig if everybody else has one as well? Where is the future value in that? It reminds me of the Franklin Mint and the manufacturing of collectibles.

 

You post like a guy who has no interest in modern comic books and yet you post in the modern forums regarding your speculation "picks" and must buys. Which side of the fence do you sit on? It's fine to act high and mighty but you do realize that we can search your previous posts right? Like this one today...

 

My pick

Get them now because later you will be paying double cover for them.

 

That wasn`t a comic book that I would get slabbed. I will only get gold and silver age comic books certified,as it would be ridiculous of me to get a modern comic book like Borderlands or it`s similar kind pressed into a 9.8 or sig.

Thanks for pointing this out. (thumbs u

Fair enough. I can see where you're coming from (thumbs u

This is the penultimate pressing thread.

 

Another floating doo doo in the CGC board's pool. ::

 

Have a few scotches, and laugh a little. They're just comics.

 

For the most part comics that had a little value of less than a dollar until someone put a 9.8 or sig on them. Think about it,as most bronze, copper and modern comic book books valued at nm in Overstreet go for a few dollars at best in nm, but when you put that 9.6 or 9.8 label on them, then the value goes up significantly or if the 9.8 doesn`t work, then add a sig as well for the book to have some value.

It`s all about artificial value created for the majority of these comics because if you took off that 9.8 or it didn`t get that sig with someone witnessing it, then the nm comic reverts back to being worth to less than a dollar.

Myself from now on I am sticking to just golden age and silver age comics to be certified,as the rest of the market just doesn`t seem like a good bet, unless they are super uber keys.

Who cares if I get the latest issue of the Image hot comic book in 9.8 and sig if everybody else has one as well? Where is the future value in that? It reminds me of the Franklin Mint and the manufacturing of collectibles.

You post like a guy who has no interest in modern comic books and yet you post in the modern forums regarding your speculation "picks" and must buys. Which side of the fence do you sit on? It's fine to act high and mighty but you do realize that we can search your previous posts right? Like this one today...

My pick

Get them now because later you will be paying double cover for them.

 

I know that both of us are on the same page regarding current turnaround times. This doesn't help and there are no solutions other than another grading company starting up in opposition to CGC.

What's the other solution?

 

Have another vodka on the rocks, and wait.

 

The only turn around time I want to know is when will Andy Reid finally be fired as the Eagles head coach. I have been waiting on that for 100000000 days. I wish I could fast track his fat arse out of my city.

OK I'll take your advice but It'll be a scotch instead of vodka (thumbs u

"This acquisition strengthens CCG’s commitment to promoting the comic collecting hobby and enhancing the collecting experience by offering a streamlined submission experience and a suite of services that is a win/win for both collectors and dealers. Customers who wish to send books to Classics Incorporated will be able to have them transfer directly to CGC for grading – creating a synergistic relationship similar to other CCG member companies. This efficient process saves customers time, shipping and insurance expenses".

 

Can someone please make me understand why anyone on the boards is number one shocked by this decision and number two perceiving this as a conflict of interest?

 

If anything this should make the Matt haters (you know who you are ) happy that he now cannot sell anymore on eBay starting in February.

 

What has changed in the hobby besides CGC along with Classic Incorporated doing what every other corporation tries to accomplish which is finding new ways to make more money.

 

Now minor details later to come would be is Matt and his employees going to be working in the CGC office (assuming he might be) or a business suite near by for easy transport of his orders to CGC for grading.

 

CGC has streamlined this OPTIONAL service. Why are you guys so upset?

 

It is a convenient way for a customer to take care of their books with that optional service in one shot while only having to ship their books to one place rather then risk more book damage during multiple shipments. Yes of course the obvious CGC makes more money!

 

Matt (Classic Inc.) has been doing this for years now. It wasn't a conflict of interest before just as many of you have used Matt's services in the past so why would it be a conflict of interest now? Since Matt will no longer be allowed to sell comics then I would dare to say this is very much quite the opposite effect then, no?

 

Matt and the graders have zero conflict in this process just as they did when he was in Texas.

 

Matt will continue what he does best, and CGC will continue to grade your books after the services you requested are done.

 

All the anti-pressers for years have been yearning for the comic community to educate and make pressing less secretive. Ironic still the man so many of you and moan about has been the BIGGEST educator about pressing in the hobby in the modern age.

 

Here are the only relevant questions I feel one might want to know as as dealer/colelctors:

 

Will collectors/dealers get 10/20% off Matt's pressing services now? (assuming restro will not be discounted)

 

Will Matt's pressing prices remain the same or go up now that he is linked CGC?

 

All that has changed is you now have the option (again option) to either submit your book status-quo or pay extra to have them pressed/restored prior to grading.

 

Holy mother of god....this hobby is over.

 

Hearing the word shocking as it pertains to this business joint venture is definitely not a word that makes sense to me.

 

I am still going to send Matt the same books I did before February 1st, and I will still send Joeypost the same books I always send to him.

 

Status Quo for me as per usual (Yes Bob/Foolkiller gym and the beach).

 

Besides congratulations to Matt Nelson there really isn't anything else I have an opinion on concerning this announcement. Good for you Matt and Good Luck!

 

Every company needs to find new ways to make money and improve their business. I'm in complete agreement with you there.

My question is: How the hell will this improve turnaround times? and why aren't CGC addressing this FIRST instead of buying out a company to make more money?

 

CGC wrote a post on this here forum about 3 months ago promising that they were doing all they could about turnaround times and they were embarrassed about making people wait. Guess what? that was a load of BS. CGC doesn't care about making us wait FULL STOP. If there was legitimate competition they would have addressed the turnaround times first but they know that they don't need too. They have a monopoly and the cash will keep rolling in. Even more so now....

 

As stated many, many times. The best and most qualified graders they can hire already make too much money being dealers. Pay them more - a lot more So finding that same caliber candidate with little or no experience grading that wants to sit day in and day out grading other people's comic books is challenging in conjunction with a competitive salary.

 

CGC's turn around time is of course terrible. It actually is hurting dealers as well. Longer it takes to get your books back the longer you can;t sell the book.

 

Trust me it sucks, but it is not for lack of effort on the graders work ethic that they have now. They are working 10 hours days plus Saturdays.

 

I know that CGC works their staff hard - again is it helping with turnaround times?

 

There is nothing we can do, but for the time being either fast-track your books or sit and wait.

 

Fast track is falling behind now and it's only matter of time before that's on 30 days

 

Their current turn round time is just that current.

I know that both of us are on the same page regarding current turnaround times. This doesn't help and there are no solutions other than another grading company starting up in opposition to CGC.

What's the other solution?

"This acquisition strengthens CCG’s commitment to promoting the comic collecting hobby and enhancing the collecting experience by offering a streamlined submission experience and a suite of services that is a win/win for both collectors and dealers. Customers who wish to send books to Classics Incorporated will be able to have them transfer directly to CGC for grading – creating a synergistic relationship similar to other CCG member companies. This efficient process saves customers time, shipping and insurance expenses".

 

Can someone please make me understand why anyone on the boards is number one shocked by this decision and number two perceiving this as a conflict of interest?

 

If anything this should make the Matt haters (you know who you are ) happy that he now cannot sell anymore on eBay starting in February.

 

What has changed in the hobby besides CGC along with Classic Incorporated doing what every other corporation tries to accomplish which is finding new ways to make more money.

 

Now minor details later to come would be is Matt and his employees going to be working in the CGC office (assuming he might be) or a business suite near by for easy transport of his orders to CGC for grading.

 

CGC has streamlined this OPTIONAL service. Why are you guys so upset?

 

It is a convenient way for a customer to take care of their books with that optional service in one shot while only having to ship their books to one place rather then risk more book damage during multiple shipments. Yes of course the obvious CGC makes more money!

 

Matt (Classic Inc.) has been doing this for years now. It wasn't a conflict of interest before just as many of you have used Matt's services in the past so why would it be a conflict of interest now? Since Matt will no longer be allowed to sell comics then I would dare to say this is very much quite the opposite effect then, no?

 

Matt and the graders have zero conflict in this process just as they did when he was in Texas.

 

Matt will continue what he does best, and CGC will continue to grade your books after the services you requested are done.

 

All the anti-pressers for years have been yearning for the comic community to educate and make pressing less secretive. Ironic still the man so many of you and moan about has been the BIGGEST educator about pressing in the hobby in the modern age.

 

Here are the only relevant questions I feel one might want to know as as dealer/colelctors:

 

Will collectors/dealers get 10/20% off Matt's pressing services now? (assuming restro will not be discounted)

 

Will Matt's pressing prices remain the same or go up now that he is linked CGC?

 

All that has changed is you now have the option (again option) to either submit your book status-quo or pay extra to have them pressed/restored prior to grading.

 

Holy mother of god....this hobby is over.

 

Hearing the word shocking as it pertains to this business joint venture is definitely not a word that makes sense to me.

 

I am still going to send Matt the same books I did before February 1st, and I will still send Joeypost the same books I always send to him.

 

Status Quo for me as per usual (Yes Bob/Foolkiller gym and the beach).

 

Besides congratulations to Matt Nelson there really isn't anything else I have an opinion on concerning this announcement. Good for you Matt and Good Luck!

Every company needs to find new ways to make money and improve their business. I'm in complete agreement with you there.

My question is: How the hell will this improve turnaround times? and why aren't CGC addressing this FIRST instead of buying out a company to make more money?

CGC wrote a post on this here forum about 3 months ago promising that they were doing all they could about turnaround times and they were embarrassed about making people wait. Guess what? that was a load of BS. CGC doesn't care about making us wait FULL STOP. If there was legitimate competition they would have addressed the turnaround times first but they know that they don't need too. They have a monopoly and the cash will keep rolling in. Even more so now....

Congrats to Matt on the deal...look forward to getting everything done on one ticket!!

 

OMG are you referring to the obvious fact that nothing has changed in the hobby besides Matt's address.

 

One sane boardie.

I agree. Nothing has changed. CGC still has ridiculous turn around times which now will only get worse.

Oh yeah, and now they prefer to get books pressed by a certain company that they "aquired" because that makes them more money.

 

I " AM" handsome as the day is long.

Just a fact.

 

I think Nick Spencer is producing something special here.

I work the register at a comic shop.

I see buying patterns & trends before most of you.

 

There are an OBNOXIOUS amount of young Joker fans in the market HUNGRY for this type of edgy material.

 

I haveput my money where my big fat mouth is.

Months ago. Before the book was released.

I'm buying thousands.

Based on what I perceive as a QUALITY product.

 

Like I said 6 weeks ago.

Let's see how Bedlam fares at issue #6

 

You have been on board with this book from day one Larry. No one would argue about that...

Andy was keen on this book from the start too (something that you two have in common ) There wasn't too much interest when this thread started though from what I remember.