SW3D

This debate can go on forever, but I firmly believe Adam Warlock makes his first full appearance in Fantastic Four #67 (and its not a cameo).

Definition of a Cameo: "A small character part that stands out from other minor parts".

It's clear from reading FF 66 and FF 67, HIM/Warlock is the main focus of the two-part story: his role is a major role, not a minor role or cameo role; he is the impetus and very reason for the story (as told in two parts). In Part One: We have his Origin and Creation explained in FF 66 by The Enclave. In Part Two (FF 67): we explore Him/Warlock's interactions with Alicia Masters. Throughout FF 67, Him/Warlock appears in the Cocoon and telepathically communicates to Alicia Masters. From the Cocoon, HIM displays his awesome power and eventually emerges from the Cocoon in full splendor to confront his evil creators. The two-part story concludes open-ended, exactly as Stan Lee had intended, with a possibility of HIM's return in a future story. There is really no debating that this is Adam Warlock's first full appearance, as it does not satisfy the definition of a cameo since he is crucial to the entire plot.

Recap: 

FF #66: Origin of HIM; first appearance of the Enclave.

FF #67: First FULL Appearance of HIM (later becomes Adam Warlock); first appearance of The Cocoon. 

HIM's next appearance is Thor 165 and Thor 166, where he battles the goldrn Asgardian after kidnapping Sif. But there's not much to his development; it's the same character from FF 66/67. And, from my previous explanation, there is no reason to believe Thor 165 is Him/Warlock's first full appearance... that is clearly an error or misunderstanding. At best it's his 2nd appearance. Interestly, CBCS grading considers Thor 165 his third appearance overall, as they consider FF 66/67 his 1st and 2nd appearances respectively.

In Marvel Premiere #1, we see his next stage of development and this is arguably his most important stage of development where the High Evolutionary bequeaths the Soul Gem and bestows the appellation upon Him as Warlock. The newly named Warlock also crafts a costume to round-out his new superhero status. This is by far his most important key after FF #67, but it can be reasonably argued that this is when Warlock becomes Warlock, meaning it's the most vital stage of development in Warlock's history. I hold this issue as having much greater importance to the canon of Warlock than Thor 165. 

Recap: 

Marvel Premiere #1: 1st Appearance of HIM as Warlock; 1st Appearance of the Soul Stone; 1st Appearance of Warlock in Costume; Origin re-told.

Lastly...

Let's look at the CGC Registry points for each comic:

FF #66: 9.8 Universal: 2,760

FF #67: 9.8 Universal: 3,312

Thor #165: 9.8 Universal: 1,280

Marvel Premiere #1: 9.8 Universal: 1,600

So the CGC has adjusted the registry points for Adam Warlock keys in accordance with the importance of these issues as they contribute to his canon, with FF 67, FF 66, and MP 1 individually getting more points than Thor 165.

Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude FF 67 is the most important Adam Walock key above all. 

These are my thoughts and opinions, substantiated in part by comic sources. 

It's okay to disagree... and let's be respectful about it. 

Happy Collecting!

SW3D

Hello fellow collectors,

Just added some more great comics to an already awesome list on eBay: 

• ACA Comic No. 1: John Byrne's first published comic book; extremely rare and highest graded at 8.5 with white pages 
• Swamp Thing Volume 1, Number 1: CGC 9.8; White Pages; 1st Appearance of Alec Holland (the modern Swamp Thing); Origin of the Swamp Thing 
• Marvel Premiere #2: CGC 9.8; White Pages; Suscha News Pedigree

Go to the eBay link for further details: https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=283542117621&hash=item42046d5cf5%3Ag%3A1bgAAOSwTm9dI6te&_ssn=screenwriter3d&_sop=16

Thanks for looking. 

SW3D

Hello fellow CGC Collectors, I'm offering opportunities to acquire several keys from my personal collection including: 

Adam Warlock:  

• Fantastic Four #67: CGC 9.4; White Pages; 1st Appearance of HIM (Adam Warlock) 
• Fantastic Four # 66: CGC 9.4; White Pages; Massachusetts Pedigree (Origin of HIM aka Adam Warlock)
• Marvel Premiere #1: CGC 9.6; White Pages; Suscha News Pedigree (1st appearance of the Soul Stone and what many believe to be the first true appearance of Adam Warlock) 
• Fantastic Four #66: CGC 8.0; White Pages; Origin of HIM aka Adam Warlock

Invincible:

• Savage Dragon #102: Signature Series; CGC 9.8; White Pages; 1st Appearance of Invincible (in a 5-page preview which pre-dates Invincible #1); Signed by Robert Kirkman (creator of Invincible and The Walking Dead)
• Masters of the Universe #1: CGC 9.8; White Pages; Gold Foil Edition; 6-page Preview pre-dates Invincible #1

Witchblade: 

• Cyblade Shi #1 The Battle for the Independents: Signature Series; CGC 9.6; White Pages; Variant Cover; 1st Appearance of Sara Pezzini (the Witchblade); Signed by Marc Silvestri (creator of Witchblade), Billy Tucci (creator of Shi), and Matt Banning (superstar inker) 
• Cyblade Shi #1 The Battle for the Independents: Signature Series; CGC 9.4; White Pages; Standard Cover; 1st Appearance of Sara Pezzini (the Witchblade); Signed by Marc Silvestri (creator of Witchblade), Billy Tucci (creator of Shi), and Matt Banning (superstar inker) 
• Witchblade #100: Signature Series; CGC 9.8: White Pages; Marc Silvestri Variant Cover; 100th Issue Anniversary of Witchblade; Signed by cover artist Mike Choi

Angela: 

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, #5: Signature Series; CGC 9.8; White Pages; Variant Cover; 1st Appearance of Angela on Guardians of the Galaxy; Signed by Sara Pichelli (main artist)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, #6: Signature Series; CGC 9.8; White Pages; Variant Cover; Angela joins the Guardians of the Galaxy; Signed by Sara Pichelli (main artist) and Justin Ponsor (colorist)

In addition... HARD TO FIND NEWSSTAND EDITION comics from the Cooper and Modern Eras.

Come take a look on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=282508313615&hash=item41c6cec40f%3Ag%3A000AAOSw8HBZMyko&_ssn=screenwriter3d&_sop=16 

And message me with any questions. 

Thanks for looking!

SW3D

Hello All,

Just posted for sale on eBay a beautiful copy of the 1st Full Appearance of Hellboy in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2; CGC 9.6; White Pages; see link:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?item=282505330232&hash=item41c6a13e38%3Ag%3A0AYAAOSwjL5ZMMyz&_ssn=screenwriter3d&_sop=16

Plus there is a listing of other key comics.

If you have any questions about any of the items for sale, do not hesitate to send me a message.

Thanks for looking.

SW3D

ACA Comix No. 1 John Bryne Holy Grail for Sale!

eBay Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACA-Comix-No-1-CGC-8-5-WP-John-Brynes-1st-Published-Comic-Book-/282505330232?hash=item41c6a13e38:g:0AYAAOSwjL5ZMMyz

Awesome journal... and a most awesome introduction into the world of comics.

I can't remember the very first comic I ever came across or seen. It may have been Superman 295 where on the cover he confronts father time, circa 1976. I believe I saw this on the newsstand rack and I was in awe of it.

Another very early one is the Amazing Spider-Man 155 which has an action-packed montage of spidey taking on several threats. The image of villain choking Spidey with the metallic hands always fascinated me. Who was that guy? And why was Spidey always in big trouble? This is got my mom to buy for me.

I also remember Magnus the Robot Fighter 42, my first indie comic from Golden Key, which had a cool painted cover by Russ Manning, 1976. I remember that comic being so different from the others... maybe because it was very violent, futuristic and apocalyptic and had an underground feel to it... like a B-movie.

And I also recall my father bringing home several DC treasury sized editions... featuring Superman, Batman, JLA... mostly reprints of the Silver Age, but so very cool with those oversized covers and pages. And like you, I barely read them, just stared at the artwork for hours as i tried to piece together the story. I even tried my hand at tracing and drawing.

Sadly, I don't own any of these comics any longer... they ended up in the trash or given away.

But my first comics I ever bought with my milk money were Fantastic Four 209 with Herbie on the cover, Iron Man 124 with a great cover of Iron Man battling Blizzard, Whiplash, and Melter in Atlantic City, and The Mighty Thor 289 where he battles the Destroyer with the spirit of his beloved Sif trapped inside. Batman 315 and Superman 341 were the first DC titles I ever bought. But Iron Man, Fantastic Four, Thor were the titles high on my pull list and the ones i bought religiously; that was about 1979 and that was when it really began for me.

Thanks for sharing and evoking some cherished memories.

SW3D

FF 81 was one of the first 12 cents, Silver Age comics I ever bought. I read that comic many years ago, but like I always do, I never read the editorials and letters page. Now that you quoted Stan's Soapbox from this issue revealing such a profound message, the book now has more personal value than ever before, not to mention garnering greater respect for Mr. Lee!

Thanks for sharing.

SW3D

I have mixed feelings about the subject. On one hand I agree, there are too many Lee signatures adorning works he wasn't involved in (e.g.: Spawn #9 1st Angela), but on the other hand, as he ages, very soon, there will be a point when the signatures cease... and that is going to be sad.

If I could afford it, I would love his signature on Menace #5, FF 5, 48, 66, 67, Silver Surfer 3, 4, AF 15, and just about any Silver Age Marvel he co-Wrote with, Romita, John Buscema, Ditko, and the King, Jack Kirby.

I am sure Lee is well aware of the exploitation of his signature, but I'm sure he loved the fact that he is still popular and in demand.

God bless him!

SW3D

You got great taste in covers my friend!

SW3D

Incredible! Simply incredible!... Stevens had the knack for illustrating sexy women.

I especially love PC#1's cover and the USA Magazine/French Edition.

I'm sure you would drool if DS had illustrated Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane in similar vein.

Thank you for posting.

SW3D

I love your Dave Stevens comics! That cover to 3-D Zone #16 is a wet dream!

I know you have shared with us your DS collections in the past, but could you repost your absolute favorite Dave Stevens cover and your most valuable Stevens comic again?

Also, do you own any Dave Stevens Original Art?

SW3D

Just starting to finally buy some mags. Always stayed away because of size difference. Any key issues for a marvel fan of first appearances in mags versus traditional comics?

 

Marvel Preview 4

Marvel Preview 7

Savage Tales 1

 

Any others?

Although not a Marvel magazine or Curtis Publication, may I suggest the rare Warrior Magazine #1 from Quality Publications.

It's a key for two reasons:

1. 1st Appearance of V for Vendetta by Alan Moore

2. The return of Marvelman by Alan Moore (now in reprints by Marvel Comics).

I've been trying to get a copy for the longest but it is VHTF in high grade and I'm a stickler for high grade.

Sadly, this magazine is oversized and the CGC will not slab.

But still, a great and important magazine to own.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_(comics)

SW3D

Thanks for sharing the cheeky eye-candy... keep it coming!

"I'm working to reduce my collection to under 100 long boxes, so it'll fit in the home we plan to retire to. This means reducing my collection by about 25,000 comics. Not easy, but surprisingly liberating, and it's an exciting opportunity to focus my collection so future buying will be more fun. Not ready to provide details, but I'll share my experiences eventually."

Wow! Reducing your collection by 25,000 comics! How many total comics do you currently have? I have maybe 1,500 raws, and about 100 or so CGC'd.

"Sometimes I wonder if my collecting focus is getting too CGC focused. What happens if CGC goes out of business? How will that impact my collecting and the value I put on these encapsulated books? Does anyone else worry about this?"

When I first started buying CGC graded comics, these questions lingered in my mind, but after 15 years of continued excellence as an industry leader, and the ever-growing and thriving fan base as its support, I don't see it being an issue any time soon. So I think we are okay. But even if the worst were to happen, and the CGC were to collapse, the collections in themselves will still be valuable since the industry as a whole, and collectors in general will still value the books. In addition, what the CGC has done to date, has given their reputation, services and products, enormous credibility for years to come... Thus anything marked CGC will equate synonymously with quality, craftsmanship, service excellence, professionalism,and passion that will yield strong and continued demand.

"How do you feel about cracked cases? I picked up this Planet Comics for significantly below GPA, I think because a corner of the case is cracked. I have about a half dozen CGC books with cracked cases. I figure someday I'll submit them for new cases. But maybe not, I'll save the money for more comics as the cracks aren't that bad. Anyway, for me I'll take a cracked case if it comes along with a significant discount under market value."

I have no problem with minor cracks here and there that yield no impact to the the integrity of the comic themselves, but any such defect and damages to the holders must be fully disclosed... otherwise I will feel cheated. Twice, and only twice, did I purchase comics with cracked holders, but these details were not disclosed in the auction specs, which upset me. Had I known of the condition of the holders, I would more than likely have passed on them.

Looking forward to more of your entries.

SW3D

I had no idea HA had such a buyers premium. For auctions I generally stick to ComicLink; but I rarely win and get outbid and beyond my value comfort zone.

Nowadays, eBay is where I mostly troll, but occasionally I go to Pedigree Comics, Metropolis, World Wide, and Greg Reece.

Perhaps HA should split the high buyers premium and make it a fair service charge to both buyer and seller... 10% on each side as opposed to 20% on one side. I know I wouldn't be happy paying 20%, but I could live with 10%.

Anyway... nice cover of Alfred. I wonder what the solo is all about.

SW3D

Wow!... the redhead in VG#2 is simply gorgeous. Why do I think of Sucker Punch? Did Scott Snyder get inspired by Dave Stevens work like James Cameron to Roger Dean for Avatar?

The cover to RA#1 is a work of art! Damn DS makes his women so sexy and provocative! This collection would keep me up at night.

And I totally see the LB Cole influence.

Thanks for posting these beautiful covers.

SW3D

Stevens was an amazing artist. Although his art is an 80's institution, utilizing modern tools of the trade like air brushing, his style was reminiscent of the Golden Age comic art featuring fantastic damsels and heroines in pin-up fashion. I also see the fabulous illustrations done for the war effort in the 40's as well as commercial advertising artwork of the 30's to 50's represented in his style. It is brilliant and deserves to be collected and immortalized.

I hope you manage to obtain the elusive high grades you are searching for, and I also wish you much success in building the set.

SW3D

In answer to my own question, I found three comics which are nearly equivalent to my entire registry points (23,426):

Comic #1: Avengers Volume 1, No. 4, 9.6: Yellow Label: 23,100 Registry Points

Comic #2: Daredevil Volume 1, No. 1, 9.4: Universal: 22,500.

Comic #3: Phantom Stranger Volume 1, No. 1: 9.8: Yellow Label: 22,000

Hmmm... which one would I trade for?

I love Daredevil more than Cap, but Cap is a hot commodity right now.

But I also love the mysticism of Phantom Stranger... and a Golden Age.

Tough decision.

SW3D

I'll be the first to admit it, I hope I can get some sort of nerd award for this

 

(But I did have fun doing it)

 

Did not really think that my humble collection would reach top 6%, maybe I should start to consider spending money on clothes and food

 

To be in the top 1% today, you need at least 430,782 registry points (and you do not even need a mountain of books to reach the top 1%, just a single Action Comics #1 8.5 or Amazing Fantasy #15 9.4 will suffice (thumbs u )

You should follow-up with "Registry Points for Dummies!".

Seriously, you made me feel like my math skills are in desperate need of a schooling... if it wasn't for your summary towards the end, I would have remained completely lost and in a mental conundrum. Sadly, when I was young, Math was one of my stronger points, that all ended with Pre-Cal and College Calculus.

As for my registry points... 23,426... well... I'm way down in the bottom. But dear lord the numbers for AC#1 8.5 or AF#15 9.4... they're incredible!

Just curious, how would I find out which one comic is equivalent or near equivalent to my entire collection?

SW3D

Ok, well now that I've finished the move across the pond I can get back to collecting...

 

or can I?

 

Belgium (where I moved to) has some crazy import taxes and fees, so shipping a book from the states tacks on about 33% to the total cost of the book

 

So a $500 book ends up costing me $675, kinda hard to try and get books for their "market" price, when I know Im having to pay a big markup for importing.

 

I've already got a plan to buy and hold books in the US to avoid this, but that means fewer books being in my hands as I work on my collection, which sucks.

 

So on to my tale of Venus #10. One of my favorite Golden Age Sci-Fi covers, the black border is striking, the GGA, the "hero" in his space suit, the alien landscape.... it's just great. Venus went from being Romance, to Sci-Fi to Horror as it tried to survive as tastes changed with readers.... and their Sci-Fi cover is great.

 

So a few months back one of our boardies posted a low/mid-grade copy for a good price, but it had restoration. But it's restoration (tear seals) would fall into the "conservation" category with CGC's change to their assessment of work done on books so I decided to get it and then resub it to see how the new guidelines worked.

 

Well in parallel I was having a conversation with another boardie, who informed me after I had agreed to buy the restored copy that he had just sent his 7.5 on to CLINK for addition into the summer auction. Deciding that I'd love a higher grade copy that was universal the first seller let me out of my purchase (a good guy who I've done many a transaction with) and I set my sights on the 7.5 that would be auctioned in a few months...

 

Time passes... we get closer to the Summer August auction on CLINK, and what pops up on the boards? An amazing 8.5 copy. But I've moved to Belgium, and if I want to get this book delivered it's going to cost an arm and a leg in import fees.

 

But WAIT, the seller is in the UK. No import fees for Europe! Thanks to chromium the other Belgian boardie who confirmed the no-fees hope I had, and I made the purchase.

 

Cant wait to have it in hand soon...

 

Congrats on this beautiful pick-up, and an equal congrats on making the move to Belgium. I hope you suceed in your endeavors there... and keep the scans coming... this is an awesome thread and your collection is so unique and inspiring (even if it is excluding EC's).

SW3D

I was bummed when WW didn't materialize in NYC!

And I contemplated Philly, but the roster of artists didn't inspire me. And like you, I am going crazy on eBay with multiply bids for comics that I haven't seen in a long time just pop up out of the woodworks shouting at me "Buy me! Buy me!"

Dear Lord, what's a poor collector on a budget to do?

Have a great time at WW!

SW3D

BTW... Just curious... why is issue 12 scarce in photo availability? Is it a rare comic?

SW3D

Incredible! Simply incredible!

This took a lot of work. It's beautiful. You are one passionate collector!

Bravo!

SW3D

Ditto! That story is truly fantastic! Whoever Modelmaker is... he's a really cool guy!

And Emma Stone is HOT!

SW3D

I totally understand where you are coming from. I relate to the fact that comic book characters can seem like the only people we can relate to... especially when life socks us with a punch to the gut. I'll admit, I had a tough childhood too... and comics filled a void for me in many ways.

Your wife sounds way cool! She digs you and supports you... That's the greatest thing when the person you love understands you through and through!

You should have a sketch cover made where your wife poses as Gwen and you play the role of Pete.

SW3D