newshane

Bomber-Bob is correct. If it's not the microchamber paper, then it's the sort of issue described by Bomber-Bob. However, as a collector of primarily modern comics, I can confirm that CGC uses microchamber paper in modern books. Why wouldn't they? As far as storing it vertically, I've done extensive research on this. Years ago, I posted the results of my findings here on the boards. In short, the CGC claims that the books are just fine stored vertically. However, some collectors believe that storing slabs with the spine of the book face down is the best way to prevent against the sort of damage mentioned by Bomber-Bob. I'm not convinced that it matters, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to store them flat. But it's important to point out that space becomes an issue at that point. You can only stack so many slabs on top of one another. Currently, my slabs are stored vertically in boxes. Once I complete my run, I intend on purchasing a large cabinet to hold my collection with the spine down, label facing me as I stand facing the open doors of the cab. This is how I personally intend to store my slabs for the ultra-long haul. But for now, I'm not really concerned about any possible damage. Asking questions is a good start. Conduct your own research and judge what's best for your own collection. These sort of things are quite personal decisions.

Do you have a closer shot? It looks like the microchamber paper they use to aid with preservation is sticking out of the book itself. You might be able to get it to slide back down into position by lightly tapping the book against a hard surface. A shot of the bottom edge of the book, along with a full shot, would help us help you.

I never grade a comic, no matter the condition, without latex or nitrile gloves. Always make sure they are NON-POWDERED.

I would never buy a book with brittle pages. Too far gone. There are a few exceptions, but if I were rich enough to make them realities, I would hold out for a copies with a bit more integrity. I also pass on mold and foxing, water damage, rusty staples, pest damage, incomplete comics, etc. But that's just me. Page quality means a great deal to me

WHILCE PORTATCIO SPAWN SKETCH For sale on eBay: one copy of Spawn 265 Gold Sketch Edition CGC 9.6 (NM+) with white pages - signature series: custom sketched on 3/5/17 by Whilce Portacio, former artist on Spawn and co-founder of Image Comics. Reserve auction ends September 23. Free shipping. CONUS customers only.

ln this case, I think it would better to use your money to invest in other comics.

ha...just saw I was responding to a 9-year-old thread. haha

He was only asking a legitimate question. He wasn't insinuating anything by it. And calling it "one step below idiotic" is insulting and would be completely inappropriate language from anyone publicly representing an actual charity. Hopefully your first post here will be your last.

I'm confused. In one sentence you talk about "permanent long term holdings" and then a little later you talk about how "the submission would more than pay for itself." If it's just for your collection and the grade increase would make you happy, then crack them out and press. I'm not a big fan of the strategy because I've had mixed results with pressing, but we're talking about your collection. Even if you have them pressed, I'm not sure I would do them en masse. You should try to evaluate the pressing potential of a book before cracking them out. Sometimes a 9.6 is "all she's got, Capt'n!" Pressing is far from a magical solution for most books. If a few spine tricks break the color, then no amount of pressing will get you to your magic number. You could always pay the pressing professional to pre-screen your books, but this will drastically increase the cost of an already expensive proposition. If you're planning to sell these for a profit one day, then that changes the entire game plan.

In this order: 1. ASM 300 - an iconic piece. 2. Coyote 11 - his first work in the comic industry. 3. Spawn 1 - his brainchild. Lots of other rational reasons to have this one. 4. ASM 298 - first work on Spider-man. 5. ASM 316 - love the cover. Early Venom. 6. Spider-man 1 - another iconic piece and another sales blockbuster. Of course, I own many McFarlane signatures, yet on none of the books listed above. Since I'm a Spawn collector, most of my choices for Todd's signature have been on more esoteric selections. But I think the books listed above have the most general appeal, I think that's what you were getting at with the original post. EDIT - I forgot about Batman 423! Move that up to #4.

Liefeld Captain America would kill them all.

Yeah...good one!

The Beastmaster would slay them both. Silly or serious answer to a silly or serious question? Conan is the only serious answer. Pft. Conan would alpha dog the out of Tarzan...he would be Conan's 4 lyfe.

"In-grade" means that the book is tough to find in the listed grade.

Whoever got the Spawn 189 got a KILLER deal. That's one of the hardest Spawn books to find and was priced about half as much as it should have been. In 9.8...I wouldn't price it south of $1,000. The 185 is also extremely tough! Someone should snatch it up. I would...but I already own all of these. I'll also say that Spawn 200 Youngblood Sketch Variant is also tough to find. I'm fairly certain it was a 1:100 variant. Good deals all around. GLWTS.

Nice book. I'd be interested if I didn't already own a copy. Good luck with the sale!

Still wonder how much they pay.

Book has sold via PM. This thread is now closed. Thanks everyone and thanks Janet for the kind comment.

A good place to start is the GPA website. It's not perfect, but a good look at the public sales data on a certain book will give you a good idea of it's marketable value. Also, rarity partially dictates a comic's value. Most variants are purposefully rare, but still command premiums because there is a (volatile) market for them. Keep in mind that It's best to let some books "cool down" before buying. Most of the latest "hot" variants have little staying power. There are exceptions, but it's like winning the lottery. Some sellers demand crazy premiums for signatures, and it's usually not worth it. If you are into buying the latest variants, it's best to do business with some of the professionals on the board who are willing to do the legwork for you. It's usually much cheaper to hire it done for yourself than to buy the latest signed comic from an eBay dealer or flipper. Hope this helps and welcome to the boards. Send me a PM and I can provide references for trustworthy people who can get your books signed.

FOR SALE - one copy of Spawn 227 in CGC 9.9 (MINT) Universal Grade with White Pages. Case is in new condition. This is one of the most popular of the Spawn homage covers as McFarlane reworks his iconic cover from Amazing Spider-man 300. Highest graded. Only two other mint blue labels out there, and one of them sold a few weeks ago on eBay for $742.50 shipped... if you want mine, you can have it for $675 shipped to the CONUS. I'm willing to give $100 credit if you have a CGC 9.8 copy that you would like to trade, so current owners of the book can upgrade their copy for $575 shipped plus the trade. In short, the trade works like this: I don't ship until I've received your copy as part of the payment. This book is HOT! Just a gorgeous book all around. Not really willing to haggle on the price at this time. Pardon the scanner glare.

I will not conduct business with members on the probation list, members listed in the hall of shame, or members on my ignore list. First in the sales thread is the PM negotiations are not valid until the buyer posts an per PM in the sales thread. Immediate payment is expected. Check or US POSTAL money order is preferred. PayPal Goods and Services accepted at no additional charge. I will only ship to the United States or Canada. Canadians should contact me for a quote. USPS CONUS Priority shipping & handling and insurance is included in the asking price. Please keep in mind that his item will require a signature. If the package arrives damaged, please take photographs for insurance purposes. I accept returns for any reason as long as the following conditions are met: I must be immediately notified and the item must be sent back to me within 7 days of delivery (as confirmed by postmark), I will even cover the cost of return shipping. The original payment will be refunded as long as the item arrives back to me in the same condition in which it was sent. I am very reasonable and will work through any concerns, but please...no buyer's remorse as my policy is very lenient. Be sure before you bid. My kudos can be found by going HERE.

One more personal rule... generally speaking, I will pass on signed books older than 40 years... I still absolutely detest silver age comics that have been signed.

This is precisely why I pay other people (rather handsomely, I may add) to do this stuff for me. ...and they seem more than happy to oblige. At the end of the day, I'm just as thrilled with the product as they are with the money. Everyone goes home happy. I can happily recommend a few boardies who can help you out.

Once upon a time, I was vehemently opposed to comics that are signed, authenticated, and slabbed. While my opinion on the matter has certainly changed, I have developed my own personal system: 1. Anyone signing must have played a direct role in the production of the comic. For instance, I would never get Todd McFarlane to sign Spawn 155. He wasn't directly involved with that issue. I don't care if he created the character or the series itself. 2. Does the signature add to the aesthetic appeal of the comic? Bad signature placement can ruin the looks of a comic, so I'm picky in this regard. I nearly always have my comics "windowed for signing" during the prepping process. 3. Does the artwork allow for a clean signature? I don't care for signatures on comics with busy cover art. Even then, I occasionally make an exception. For example, I am planning on having a book signed by an actor who portrayed a comic character in a big-budget, Hollywood film. The character is featured on the cover. That's an exception to rule one. I also think there are two ways to approach an answer to your question. 1. Are you getting them signed in the hopes of increasing the value of the comic? If so, then your actions will be limited. Lesser known artists can certainly devalue a comic with their signatures. Conversely, signatures from blockbuster artists can increase the value of the comic. An example would be Frank Frazetta. His signature on a roll of toilet paper would probably go for at least $100. Maybe I'm joking, but perhaps not. 2. Are you getting them signed for your own pleasure and satisfaction? In that case, who cares what the signature does to the value of the comic? At the end of the day, do what makes you happy. Just keep in mind that a significant number of collectors view signatures as defects that ruin the appeal of a comic. So, by getting a book signed, you're automatically reducing your pool of customers. It's kind of like admitting on your online dating profile that you smoke cigarettes. That automatically reduces your chances of a date on Saturday night, even though many others will actually find something in common with you. And never move forward automatically assuming that a signature will always double or triple a comic's value. I say signatures can be totally awesome! I have a Dave Sim signature and sketch that looks amazing and I get excited every time I look at it. Same with my Gaiman and Miller signatures. They make me happy. While the presence of their signatures, in my opinion, make the books far more valuable, it's a win-win situation for me. In the comic game, always ask what will make you happy... if you always ask what will make you money... you might find disappointment instead of enjoyment from the hobby. Happy hunting! -Shane

I never find 9.8s on the shelves or in boxes at LCS. I've quit trying. Best bet is to figure out a way to get your paws into the distributor's box, and even then it's going to take some picking.