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meshuggah

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Journal Entries posted by meshuggah

  1. meshuggah

    Pedigree Auction

    By meshuggah,

    Epic Wolvie sale
    Just received my newest addition in the mail yesterday. It was part of the recent pedigree comics auction from Professor Pecora, here on the boards selling his Wolverine collection. Due to funds I didn't really go after anything major. I ended up winning Wolverine 138, which doesn't really have much significance other than I like the story and its a great cover.
    In other news I'm hoping my current invoice with CGC will be done in around a month so I can share it with you all, as well as my order I sent to DWC for SDCC.
    As a side note that has nothing to do with anything really, I figured I'd share a happening from a store I frequent in Va Beach. While I was in town last week browsing books someone came in and sold a 9.8 white pages Amazing Spider-Man 121. Well someone just bought it today for $3500. That is definitely a grail for me. But also not in my immediate future, at least at that grade.

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  2. meshuggah

    The Sketch Cover Bug

    By meshuggah,

    What I've been collecting the last year.
    About this time last year I caught the sketch cover bug. I have to assign most of the blame to Kaholo1256. I'd never really been exposed to sketch covers until he posted a journal sharing some of his recent acquisitions, specifically a piece by Whilce Portacio. That moment got me curious and I decided to ask him what all I had to do to get in.
    I decided to venture into the signature room and looked through the Edgar Tadeo thread. All of his work is amazing, but a Wolverine vs Sabretooth cover just jumped out at me and I knew I needed something from him. If you haven't seen that cover, do yourself a favor and go check it out. If it ever goes for sale I will definitely bid on it.
    So after talking to Kaholo, he was able to put me in touch with Force Majeure, who was facilitating the Tadeo opp. I was able to go all out and requested a wraparound cover of Apocalypse vs Archangel in color. I am extremely happy with the final result and glad this was my first sketch. It definitely wasn't the last. While I waited for it I went and purchased an already completed sketch by Freddie Williams.
    After I signed up for Tadeo I just kept going. I signed up for numerous others as well as getting a couple done at some local cons. Those unfortunately weren't graded as there was no cgc rep. Its been a lot of fun and a lot of money. So I'll be taking a bit of a break with getting so many done but I don't think I will ever get rid of the itch for comic art.
    But many thanks go out to all the facilitators and boardies that helped me acquire all this. And thanks to Kaholo for starting it all.
    Below are some scans and pictures of what I've received so far.
    Edgar Tadeo

    Uncanny X-Men cover recreation by Chris Mangold

    Jamie Jones

    Freddie Williams

    Adelso Corona

    Darryl Banks

    Kokkinakis Achileas

    Hugh Rookwood

    Jeff Edwards

    Pop Mhan (one of my ungraded ones)

    Jim O'Riley (ungraded)

    Matt Slay (ungraded)
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  3. meshuggah

    Iron Man's Confession

    By meshuggah,

    A bitter farewell
    I'll apologize in advance for the crappy picture below. But onto the journal. I picked up the following book from Ebay for next to nothing. I know it's not an important book or some big key or anything. But I feel The Confession that wrapped up Civil War was an amazing, emotional piece about the conflict inside Tony Stark's mind.
    In this book Iron Man comes to the helicarrier, as he's the current director of SHIELD, and goes into a small room. While in this room he talks out loud, going over how he saw the war coming and how the choosing of sides would be painful. He laments about the compromises and distrust among the heroes over time trying to do the right thing in many situations. But he knew that one of them would slip up and lead the government to start the superhero registration act.
    Iron Man states that in some wars winning isn't always winning. Now that this war is over he won't be able to tell anyone that after everything that has transpired, it wasn't worth it. In this final scene it pulls back to show that Iron Man has been talking to the recently assassinated Captain America's body.
    I've always felt that this issue held a lot of emotional weight and was great at getting it out. It gives you an inside look at the motivations and compromises made by Iron Man through the whole Civil War arc.
    And as an unrelated follow on RIP Harold Ramis

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  4. meshuggah

    Amazing sketches

    By meshuggah,

    Wish I could draw
    This won't be a long journal. I just felt I had to share these sketches. The owner of my favorite LCS in Va Beach, Comic Kings, sketched these himself. He attended some cons and had them signed by their likenesses. I think these are amazing. I've asked him if he'd do a sketch opp for the boards. But he has declined for now. Hopefully it will happen.

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  5. meshuggah
    Or when less becomes more
    Its been a while since I've done a journal. So for my first one of the new year I have some new acquisitions to share. First off I acquired these because back in the end of November I listed my Batman Adventures 12 9.4 and Detective Comics 1 9.8 for sale on Ebay.
    For those who don't know Batman Adventures 12 is the first comic book appearance of Harley Quinn. It's a book based on the Batman cartoon many of us grew up with, myself included, in the 90's. If you've been following this book at all lately, for whatever reason its prices have continued on a steep increase. Theres a thread here on it.
    http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7097482&fpart=1
    I purchased mine raw last spring for about $60 listed in NM conditon, which it obviously how it came back from CGC. But seeing the prices even lower mint grades such as mine were going for I couldn't pass it up. I also noticed that some of the New 52 issue #1's were going for decent money so I listed my Detective #1, which I purchased new off the rack and had graded a while ago.
    Well my BA 12 went for $223 and my Detective went for $102. Since then I've been debating on what to get. I wanted to get some first appearances of some decent characters in a decent grade. But I've also been following some of K-Mans exploits when it comes to sketch covers and I think I've developed that itch now. I'm really hoping to actually take part in a sketch opp and have something actually made for me vice purchasing something already done.
    In the end I started off by purchasing another raw copy of Uncanny X-men 221 in NM condition. This is the first appearance of Mr. Sinister, a character I've loved since first seeing him in the 90's cartoon. Eventually I'll send this to be pressed and graded and will probably share the outcome with you all.
    The next book I purchased was my first sketch cover. It's an Avengers 1 (2010) with the cover sketched and signed by Freddie WIlliams II. The sketch is an extremely impressive Thor cover that looks even better in person.
    The last 2 books I got were some good Copper age first appearances. First was Avengers Annual 10 in a 9.6. This is the first appearance of Rogue and Madelyn Pryor. The next book was Thor 337 in 9.6 which is the first Beta Ray Bill.
    I do wish I could've got these in a 9.8, but as has been discussed here numerous times, I think we focus on that magical number too much. It would've also prevented me from getting any other books due to the price those go for. In the end I'm happy with these and they look great on my wall. I can't wait to start jumping into these sketch ops and having some art done at my request.



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  6. meshuggah

    SDCC Books Pt 2

    By meshuggah,

    Got a replacement
    To start off if you need to play catch up on this see my other journal http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14273
    Today I received my replacement book mentioned in my previous journal. I'm still a little disappointed in CGC losing my book as well as a couple other peoples books. But DWC was able to get them to pay for this replacement. The book is double signed(Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard) which mine wouldn't have been since Charlie wasn't at SDCC.
    I really felt that my book was a good candidate for a 9.9 or higher, but who am I kidding, in reality I'd probably get a 9.8. So in the end I got something really cool-with an extra sig-to put on my walls with the others.

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  7. meshuggah

    SDCC Books arrived

    By meshuggah,

    Not what I was expecting
    As I sit here at work, my wife emailed me to tell me my books arrived. I know theres no way I can wait until I'm home to know, so I ask her to open the box and tell me the grades. Before I tell you I'll take a step back and give you some back story on this order.
    I sent off 3 books to Desert Wind for SDCC. Those books were the Walking Dead 48, 100 Chromium cover and Avengers 500 Directors cut. To be signed by Kirkman and Bendis. I sent them in on fast track as well. So about 2 weeks after the con I call CGC to check the status of my books. At this time they don't have the order, which is a little weird to me. I try not to worry and wait a week or so more before inquiring again. Now they have my order but its only 2 books, Avengers and Walking Dead 48. Now I'm worried. I email the guys at DWC and have to wait a little while for a reply as they were at a show. They inform me that CGC ran the Kirkman signing and had all the books. They said a few orders were messed up, mine included. They've told me that CGC will send me a 9.8 copy signed by both Kirkman and Adlard at no charge. I'm still waiting to hear back about the timing and shipping details on this but it more than makes up for the gaff. I do believe the book I sent was an excellent 9.9 candidate but who knows, probably not.
    Now after all that my 2 books that did make it to CGC have arrived home. My thoughts when sending these off was that WD 48 was an easy 9.8 if not higher. Its in even better condition than the 33 I sent in a while ago that is a 9.8. The Avengers I figure is a 9.6. Boy was I wrong. My wife wrote back with WD - 9.0 and Avengers 9.2. I wrote her back hoping that was a typo. Nope. My heart sank and now as I sit here writing this I just wonder what happened to my books.
    I understand theres a lot of hands involved in making something like these signings go smooth. But I've sent things to DWC before and never had a problem. Same with CGC. I believe them to all be very professional and understanding of how to care for your books. I don't want to seem like I'm calling out someone, but this is frustrating. This has really crushed my mood for today, which is even new comic book day. My excitement for that is now at 0.
    I know its not the end of the world. I just wish I had answers. I will be checking the graders notes later today to see what that may show. Thanks for letting me vent my frustration.
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  8. meshuggah

    Mystique

    By meshuggah,

    Early Cameo
    Just received a new acquisition in the mail today. I scored a Ms. Marvel #17 off ebay for a decent price. Mystique, to me, is one of the most underrated comic villians of all time. I think she's one of the most devious out there. But since she's normally someones lackey she doesn't get the credit she deserves. With what she had done to Ms. Marvel and consistently screwing over the X-Men and even the people she works for, I think she deserves to be one of the most respected female villians in comics.
    This piece was listed as NM-. I think its closer to VF. I will probably have it pressed before grading this. But I'm going to upload some other pics to the Ask for a Grade board if anyone wants to take a look. But here is a full shot of the book.
    Hopefully I will find a #16 and #18 to complete her cameo and full appearances.

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  9. meshuggah

    CGC's turnaround

    By meshuggah,

    They've definitely improved
    Well my latest invoice went to shipped today! Here's a breakdown of how it went.
    13 May - received
    27 June - verified
    12 July - scheduled for grading and then graded
    17 July - quality control and then shipped
    This is a vast improvement from just earlier in the year. At Baltimore Comic Con last year I submitted 3 books for signature and it took just over 4 months to get them back. This hopefully is good news for all of you with orders still out or getting ready to submit one.
    Now, I'm not as cool as some of you and I have to look at my grades. I'm a little disappointed, but not surprised, by two of them. I was hoping for higher like we all do but I was pretty much spot on with my guess of what they'd receive. So heres the list.
    Batman: The Killing Joke - 9.8
    Batman Adventures 12 - 9.4
    Avengers vs X-Men 11 (1:100 variant) - 9.8
    Wolverine 1 (1988) - 9.0
    Already looking forward to submitting something else. But it will probably be a little bit since I just sent off some books for SDCC. Also looking forward to hearing about everyone else's submissions.
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  10. meshuggah

    New to the Boards

    By meshuggah,

    Joining the Boards
    I just want to say hi to everyone that posts journals. I've been following them for a while and felt it was time to join in. Here's some basic info about me, so I'm not a total stranger.
    I've been a paying cgc member for about a month now. Been buying comics most of my life. But started seriously collecting when Marvel started the Civil War crossover. Once I learned of CGC I would mail in submissions through my LCS. Which is now not really possible as they have all stopped being members. Which led me to saying screw it, I'll do it myself.
    It's been interesting seeing how there are so many people with amazing sets and are completionists. Wish I had the funding to do that. Instead I try to send in issues that mean something to me or are of some significance.
    I've been enjoying reading and learning from a lot of the others who post regularly and am excited to be in the conversation.
    -Rob
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  11. meshuggah
    Hookup from the Screenwriter
    As I've mentioned in a few replies to other journals quite a few of the regulars(Tnerb, Surfer, SW3D, Bagoffleas, Ronnylama) are etremely generous in sharing their knowledge as well as some of their books with each other.
    During a recent journal from Screenwriter 3d on Spawn #9 Newstands, I shared how I feel a little stupid for stopping my collecting of Spawn back issues at number 8(Still don't know why I did). In one of my replies I asked SW3D if he'd be willing to part with the lower graded newstand edition he has. Figuring I'd most likely get a laugh or a chance to make an offer.
    Instead he informed me he couldn't part with it but would send me his direct edition 9.4 for free. I received this yesterday and will add it to the registry once its removed from his.
    I know this isn't some major key like a hulk 181 but its just as awesome, since it was a gift from someone I've never met. I know some of you have met each other at different cons. Hopefully I'll get that opportunity as well(I am hoping to go to Baltimore again this year).
    I just want to say thank you to everyone, especially SW3D, for their generosity. Looking forward to sharing more great experiences with you all.

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  12. meshuggah

    Newest Addition

    By meshuggah,

    Anniversary Issue
    Got my latest book in the mail today. This is a book I sent in to the NY Comics Masters signing. I know its not really a key issue or anything. I can't explain why but I really like anniversary issues.
    The only negative with this book is it was also supposed to be signed by Tom DeFalco, who was EIC at the time. NY Comics emailed me a while back telling me they messed up and would refund my money for the missing signature. So no harm no foul.
    My plan with this book is to get it signed by some of the most influential X-Men contributors. Hence why I have Claremonts signature, since he didn't work this book, as well as Romita Jr. I know I coud've had Stan sign this during this signing, but didn't have the money available. So maybe later.

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  13. meshuggah
    What got me back into all this
    At the request of screenwriter 3d comes a journal on a book that's the most special to me. Now for starters its not graded, as of yet. I will send it off eventually, but I do like to reread it every now and again. To end the suspense the book that means so much is Civil War #1.
    Now I know this is a pretty new book and quite a few things(caps death) have been retconned from the series. The reason this book means so much is it was the story that pulled me into serious collecting. Prior to this I would grab things off the rack here and there as a kid. But I never took care of them and don't have anything from back then.
    I had read about the upcoming civil war storyline and liked the premise. I still love the story as it is 1 of marvels best events ever. This whole event has brought me into the comic store every week since then. Now I have a decent sized modern collection. I do try and purchase older books here and there and am working towards making that my focus.
    Aside from just pulling me into comics full time this book introduced me to Mark Millar. I am a huge fan of his work. From his creator owned works like, kick , superior, secret service and Jupiter's legacy to his works like Civil War and Superman Red Son, I can't get enough.
    Civil War is the reason I'm on these boards and have cgc books. This book brought me into a great community of awesome people full of knowledge and passion on a subject I love. I know it's not a key issue or worth anything much more than its cover price. But this book brought me into an amazing hobby with amazing people.
    Thanks to screenwriter 3d on idea for this journal as it gave me a chance to reflect on all this.
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  14. meshuggah
    Lets keep the discussion rolling
    Received this in the mail today. Wasn't really expecting it so soon or as a 9.8. I was expecting a 9.6 or 9.4. Can't really explain why but I just felt it was the way it was going to go. Fortunately not and I am stoked!
    To hit on my point of not expecting it yet, I sent this in through DWC(Desert Wind Comics) back in January. I believe they received this around the 15th. To have it back this now after reading some of your posts regarding invoices since before Christmas is quite shocking to me. Was I lucky or is CGC sitting around the 4 month turnaround time for Modern tier? I got my Baltimore Comic Con books back in around 4 months also. I know this is a huge topic on the boards and since we can't sit over their shoulders I don't think we'll ever truly understand whats going on there.
    Next topic to jump on is signatures, specifically Stan Lee's. As you can see he signed this book and of course had nothing really to do with it. Same as my other Stan sig(ASM 252). My thoughts on this are that number 1 he created the character, so he'll always be tied to him. But I do understand people who want him to sign stuff he directly worked on. I don't really have too much he actually did, unfortunately.
    Now I completely agree with X-Ray Spexx's apology(I guess you can call it that) journal. There are flippers our there that just want his Stan's signature so they can sell it immediately or worse are waiting for him to pass to sell. Now, I'll admit I get signatures to increase the value of things. On top of my comics I have a lot of signed football and baseball memoribilia. But I also enjoy meeting the people and having the chance to talk to them and watch them sign my stuff. My first Stan signature I was there and witnessed it and told him thanks for everything and he responded with a nod. That to me is cooler than any money I'd get for selling some with his name signed on it. I do send things to private signings and to other cons I can't go to, but its not the same.
    I'm sure most of us here enjoy meeting these creators of fictional characters we love. But there will always be the profiteer in anything that can make a buck. I hope Stan keeps on going and meeting all his adoring fans and signing all our random junk.
    Hope I didn't bore anyone.

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  15. meshuggah
    Romita Jr with some guy
    I know this is a little dated now but figured I'd share this. He is extremely nice. Put his signature on my Kick #1 that I still think was graded a little low but I'm happy.

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  16. meshuggah
    Or so cheap its almost a freebie.
    Purchased my first already slabbed book. I was surfing Ebay looking for anything that was relatively cheap and found this ASM 259. Found this with 1 bid at around 9 bucks. The shipping was 15 though. I bid 10.50 and kept on looking. Couple hours later I actually won this. The off white to white is a little annoying but for this cheap, who cares. After reading some other journals I've checked out wwcomics.com. That site just has me drooling all over the place. Can't wait to actually get some things from them.

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  17. meshuggah

    The Cave

    By meshuggah,

    Or just a place to hold my stuff
    Since X-ray Spexx posted a pic of his place of refuge for comics, I figured I'd share mine. Hope no ones takes this as bragging. To those that don't have a space yet, I'm sorry. This is my first time displaying everything. I've only had this room for about 2 years. Prior to this everything was stored in closets.

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