Jaylam

On 11/19/2022 at 8:03 AM, GrasshopperFF said:

There is a Flash 123 in an 8.0 grade in that same auction. Is there any truth to the old labels being a touch more valuable? That book looks great! 

That is a very nice-looking book for an 8.0. That book was graded in 2004, so it might go higher because some might think it could get a grade bump with a clean and press. What drives me crazy about ComicLink is they don't post an image of the back cover on their auction listings. That particular book has something going on on the front cover in and around the "FL" of "FLASH" logo. It might just be newton rings, but it could be something foreign in the case, hard to figure out. It also kind of looks like a moisture stain but that is not mentioned in the grader notes. 

On 11/18/2022 at 5:26 PM, GrasshopperFF said:

Here you go!!! Got a deal on it. Curious to see where the Heritage auction lands. 

Looks like a winner, congratulations!

Where did you find this if you don't mind me asking? I see your location is listed as Bradenton Florida and it looks like there are about 4 or 5 shops in and around that area. I have been to Emerald City Comics in the St. Pete/Clearwater area before and was very impressed with their store. 

I just did a quick rundown of the first 25 issues in the census and come up with the following info; there are no 9.0 copies of issues #2, 5 and 15 and in many cases, there are only one graded at 9.0 and they are the highest graded copies of those particular issues. Amazingly, there is a 9.8 copy of #19 (3rd Adam Strange) showing up if you can believe that. Good luck with you quest, and by the way, if you have that much $$$ to throw at this endeavor, would you mind paying off my mortgage? 

On 11/18/2022 at 11:03 AM, GrasshopperFF said:

Hello! I’ve read thru a lot of this thread because I have an interest in securing a higher grade Flash book — in the earlier numbers. One reason for this newfound interest is the Flash 139 I saw yesterday at a local comic shop — 8.5 grade. The asking price is $2,500, which seems to closely align with GoCollect and GPAnalysis.
 

While scanning thru your learned comments (it is clear y’all know your stuff!) I am seeing that 139 rates fairly high. It looks like 123 has the highest recommendation. And if a lower graded Showcase were out there then that might trump all. 

Does anyone have any updated thoughts about this “dilemma”? Thoughts appreciated!!

Personal preference really. An 8.5 of #123 runs about $2,000 more it looks like. Since you have an opportunity to pick up the #139 at market price and can inspect it personally before buying, I'd go for it. Might try and see if there's any wiggle room on the price. My determination would depend on how the book presents; does it have good color, good wrap and cut, what kind of defects it has and how they affect its overall visual appeal. Whatever you decide, good luck and if you get it, post up an image or two of it here so the rest of us here can be jealous and drool over it. Good Luck!

For comparisons sake, there's this 8.5 #139 at auction right now on ComicLink ending 11/29. 

This is odd, the census only shows 2 graded in 9.2, but the one that sold tonight is neither of the two that have sold before and was graded in 2011.

From GoCollect...

On 11/17/2022 at 12:10 AM, Terry E. Gibbs said:

105 is the highest second appearance of any DC SA character, but 106 is after SC8-14 and some years on par with 110 and 123. A 8.0 123 is on Comic Link soon. Interesting to see how these all compare. 

It's interesting that without DC's foray into revamping the superheroes like they did in the late 50's and early 60's, Stan (who was about to leave comics altogether) and Jack may never have been inspired themselves to re-invent the (superhero) mousetrap so to speak which led to the amazing success of Marvel in the 60's and onward. It's funny how the confluence of certain events causes history to play out the way it does.

@Terry E. Gibbs Found it. What a beauty. Waaaaay out of my league.

Sold for $3,120.

On 11/15/2022 at 9:18 AM, comicginger1789 said:

Yup! Going to grab him a copy for his birthday

There are high grade copies available at reasonable prices. Just a quick look at ComicLink, ComicConnect and Worldwide Comics yielded some nice copies, graded and ungraded not to mention several on ebay. Best wishes finding one that fits what you are looking for.

Heritage has this fine example of Flash #106 going off at auction tonight, currently at $2,200. Santa has already told me he can't afford to get it for me as a Christmas present so if any of you would like to step in for Santa, please PM me. 

Tower of Shadows #2 (cover date Nov.1969) had a release date of Aug. 19, 1969. I had that book myself back in the day but couldn't remember that story in it. 

On 11/13/2022 at 4:22 PM, comicginger1789 said:

We found it!

Was originally a story presented in tales of suspense 18 that was reprinted exactly in Monsters On The Prowl 20.

However I showed these to my dad and he was adamant that the robot was not the same at all…and even sent me this sketch he drew!

So a footnote online eventually lead to Tower of Shadows 2, which had update art for the same story. Check out the similarities between the robot and what dad drew…his memory has not failed him!

Looks a little bit like an early version of Ultron.

Probably a reprint of a 50's-early 60's pre-superhero Atlas story. Maybe in something like Fear, Where Monsters Dwell, Where Creatures Roam or something like that.

On the flip side, how many "mechanical errors" does CGC catch and correct before shipping out since we only see the ones they aren't catching?

On 11/12/2022 at 12:27 PM, THE_BEYONDER said:

I think @CGC Mike said that the whole QC team is like 7 people.  How many books get slabbed everyday?   

The continuous fail of their QC “department” will be the downfall of CGC.  People will stop submitting because it’s not worth the risk....and MCS will continue to receive raw consignments by the truck load.  Ultimately....comic encapsulation goes the way of the Dodo 🦤 bird
 

 

 

Well, with so many "ME's" showing up, they are pretty much just depending on the customer to be their QC department.

I find it rather humorous they call these problems "Mechanical Errors". No, they are human errors or neglect. If I can spot hair, plastic pieces, unsealed slabs, books upside down, etc. within one second of taking the slab out of the box, how can after passing through multiple hands can things so obvious be missed and passed through anyway?

And speaking of tape pulls.....

The House of Secrets #99 is a take-off of the famous M.C. Escher "Hand with Reflecting Sphere" piece.

This one's a 9.8...

I believe this is the best cover image of Zatanna during the Silver Age. At least on this cover she's in the foreground.

Anything is possible, but what's the BLED process?

And speaking of Spider-man products, you can now lather up with...