Moondog

Here's the goofy part to all this, my comment said your copy was pretty good! I love it! The contents aren't as "good" as Robot Man's in that his has three #1's and one #2. As has been stated, I know that because I owned it. Back in the day (mid-70s through the late 80s) hard core EC collectors ranked annuals by content, not just cover grade. That's why I kept "upgrading" my copy over the years (I had 4 different). I always wanted four #1's but could never find one (if one exists). No criticism for your book!

One #1, one #2 and two #3s - not bad but not as good as Robotman's.

White cover.

This is the strategy that Bob Overstreet used for years with the Guide. It helped build the market but he was heavily criticized for it too.

There's a logo, but it's different than the one in the CAF image. It's framed (and I don't want to remove the frame) so it's difficult to tell if the blue pencil is printed or drawn. I found Jerry Stout on Google and as you said, he was a DW sketch artist. I believe this was purchased there in the gift shop. Thanks again for your help. I truly appreciate it.

Thanks so much for the info. Apparently it's an original drawing since CAF wouldn't allow prints, right?

Hi Everyone, back again with another query. I chair a fundraiser every year to benefit an order of Catholic nuns. We received the following piece for our silent auction. Two questions: 1. Is this an original drawing or a print? I wasn't aware that Disney stores sold originals. 2. Can someone identify the artist?

This is not the case regarding DC ashcans. Many were stolen or erroneously misappropriated and never replaced.

I saw the Action 1 - 12 volume. It was crumbling and falling apart. I was not shown the Detective volumes. There were rumors that a librarian in the mid-80s was stealing ashcans and bound volumes, but this looks like way too many not to be noticed.

I'm puzzled by this. I was allowed access to the library (one of the last to be granted that privilege) back in the mid-90s to do research on ashcan editions. While there I was treated to the entire library and saw their bound volumes. Action 1 -12. Captain Marvel Adventures 1-6 (they had all the Fawcett bound volumes too), etc. No one said that numerous volumes were missing, though I was told that some were. They had a security guard at the door and locks. At that time no one was allowed in for any reason without approval of Paul Levitz.

And thanks for IDing the character Stef.

Thanks, Vodou. Much appreciated. It's on 11 x 14 paper.

Hi Everyone. The widow of an old friend asked me to sell a couple of sketches to raise a few dollars. Can anyone ID the artist(s) of this sketch? I am not familiar with the character either.

Sheesh, resorting to using the sympathy card to increase sales. My how the mighty have fallen. J/K, pal. Get well quick - and no schlepping long boxes until the doc says OK.

This sold in November for $22. It's George RR Martin's first published work. Gah!

I still have all my grading notes for the collection. The pre-hero books may have been purchased second-hand somewhere because except for a few the grades were generally low: Ace 1 FN - nice Amazing Mystery Funnies 2 - G Comics Magazine 1 VF with a slight dust shadow Large Feature Tracy 1 VF with a slight dust shadow Detective Picture Stories 1 FN, 5 VG Detective Comics 1 FN, 3 FR, 12 VG, Feature Book 1 Zane Gray FN The Funnies 1 (1936) VF, 2 Poor Famous Funnies 3, VG spine split at bottom, 4 VG spine split at bottom, 5 FR brittle Feature Books 1-19 - all were brittle Funny Picture Stories 1 FN, but heavy browning King 1 VG More Fun 9-14 all poor (soiled, stained and brittle) There was a second copy of 12 which was a VG New Comics 1 G - cover had dust shadow, slightly brittle on edges of cover but interior brownish but not brittle, 3-6 all poor with completely split spines, 7 VG, 8 poor, 9 VG, 10 fair Tip Top 1 FN, 4 VG, 5 G, 6 VF Western Action Thrillers 1 VG Western Picture Stories 1, VF, 2 G, 3 FR

Totally agree with you. When the book was announced I went back and interviewed Ben Stothart 3 times, taking notes on all the little things he said like when he walked up to the house for the first time commenting on the landscaping around the house. I'll never forget how he looked when he walked into the shop that Saturday in September 1978. I'm not sure I succeeded in conveying how nerve-wracking it was to have the entire collection in my home for nearly a year knowing I could have the rug pulled out from me at any time. I must have read Chuck's account of buying the Church books a dozen times putting myself in his shoes. I was hoping to create that same impression with my story.

Touche, my friend!

Here's a link to an update on the pedigrees book: http://comicpedigrees.com/book.php

I never made it to a con in Canada. In fact, outside of Chicago and San Diego, I only did a handful of other shows.

I wish I was in a position to sit on the collection or just 25 of the mega-keys. Alas, I couldn't afford not to start selling books immediately.

Bob, every so often I get an email from a collector who asks me to ID a Windy City. I love re-connecting with them. Especially the one's marked A WALLACE or ANNA WALLACE. They're out there!

Steve, let me reiterate that Stephen was nothing but professional during all these negotiations (and he was pretty much just a kid then). He ended up buying many of the keys on trips to Chicago. He and I have done deals together since he was a teenager. Never once has he ever done anything with me that could be considered shady. Let's have fun with this post and not turn it personal.

I only spoke to Ross once, but Cresthol was calling me all the time trying to weasel his way in. What a piece of work. It still bugs me to this day.