Petey's Wheatcake

Fast shipping, great communication, and secure packaging. Perfect transaction.

I would happily buy from Joe again.

Thanks!

Perfect transaction. Excellent packaging and fast shipping. I would very happily buy from Revat again.

Thanks!

:thumbsup:

I was extremely happy with my purchase from Matt, and would gladly buy from him again. Everything was perfect.

Thanks, Matt! :thumbsup:

Every time someone mentions GOTG as the new watermark for greatness I feel like I'm in a parallel Universe.

Is it an apocalyptic wasteland, or are you playing chess with Einstein and Station?

I really enjoyed it. Rudd and Douglas are both excellent in this, and I wish the Hank Pym of the comics was more like the film version.

The special effects in the opening flashback scene with Douglas are absolutely amazing, and could have a major impact regarding the types of roles older actors could play in the future. I'm sure it's cost prohibitive right now, but we've come a long way since Benjamin Button and Tron: Legacy.

I never imagined that watching Ant-Man use his powers on screen would be that entertaining. Ant-Man fight scenes are as fun as a Hulk vs. Thor battle. Probably more so, to be honest.

This film also features the greatest Baskin Robbins scene in the history of cinema. I've dealt with customers like that before.

I was digging through some of my Marvel Tales comics and ended up finding 2 more books with the Pizzazz insert - both are Marvel Tales #87.

 

This in turn got my curiosity up so I did some digging. Some of this information is probably already known to some of you, but I'll post what I found out for those who don't know.

 

Marvel Pizzazz inserts were included in various Marvel Comics from January 1978 to April 1978. Between Google, eBay active and sold listings, mycomicshop and my own copies, I've come up with this list of 34 books that might have contained the Marvel Pizzazz inserts:

 

Amazing Spider-Man 176,177,178

Captain America 217,218,219

Conan the Barbarian 47

Fantastic Four 190,191,192

Incredible Hulk 219,220,221,222

Invaders 24,25,26

Marvel Tales 87,88,89,90

Marvel Team-Up 65,66,67

Marvel Two-in-One 37,38,39

Star Wars 7,8,9,10

Thor 268,269,270

 

Let me know if anyone is aware of any others. Keep in mind that not all copies of these books will have the Pizzazz insert in them.

 

Scratch Conan the Barbarian #47 from this list. After looking at a copy I have, I realized this book was published in 1975 - 3 years before the Marvel Pizzazz magazine and inserts were even published. I got this issue number from the mycomicshop Pizzazz list and I've notified them it should be removed. This issue DID have a Marvel subscription insert in it like the one below (my copy has one in it):

 

 

I also just realized this morning I have another book with a Marvel Pizzazz insert in it. I was looking through some of my slabs to see what I might sell when I came across this one:

 

 

I completely forgot that had the Pizzazz insert in it.

 

Anybody else think of any other books that have the Marvel Pizzazz insert in them? A couple of days ago I did some research and looked at the copies I had of all of the other Marvel titles that were also published during the Jan.-April 1978 time frame and couldn't find any others that had the insert in them.

Thanks for all the excellent information. I have about ten of these, but now my addiction may force me to seek them all out.

I almost bought the same book a few times under $30 shipped. I know wish I would have nabbed them all.

 

But I have my 1 copy, just arrived yesterday. Very last one @ MTC and it's MINE!

:thumbsup:

Insert Rick Flair because gotdang!

 

Divinity 1:40 WOOOOOOOO

The seller paid $26 for that book a month ago. Easy money but I'm thinking that sale will eventually seem like a bargain.

Any chance that teenage Petey has an uncle in his forties?

My Phone Capitalizes Everything. Sorry. Anyway, I Would Despise Another Origin Story So I Would Hope His Scenes Would Feature Sage Wisdom Provided Through Flashback. Actually, I Would Hope For A Different Character Entirely, But What Other Regular Guy Is So Famous That His Identity Needs To Remain A Mystery?

Any chance that teenage Petey has an uncle in his forties?

http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/05/07/avengers-infinity-war-so-big-itll-be-shot-100-in-imax

I do love me some IMAX Avengers.

The "climax" talk is also interesting, but that's always true of climax talk, isn't it?

books with higher demand/higher selling prices, are not necessarily "keys" as we define them in our little microcosm...

 

That's just it. There isn't a generally accepted criteria for what constitutes a key beyond market demand. Even a first appearance needs demand to really be a key.

 

First Spiderman-- key

First Rocket Racer -- nope

 

How about the first Rocket Racoon?-- before GotG, nope, afterwards, yup.

 

Keys are simply the books that collectors feel are the most important, for any of a dozen+ reasons that change over time.

 

It's really goofy to me that there are people insisting that Batman 227 isn't a key, even though most people would trade a dozen of the issues around it to get one.

 

 

That's still not a "key".

 

-J.

Correct. Most reasonable people would consider it a grail.

I think you are confusing popular/in demand with key. Just because a book has a cool cover and people pony up a lot of money to buy it does not mean the book is important in any way beyond having a cool cover. A cool cover does not equal key.

I think that once you start referring to classic covers as "key" it makes any sort of agreement on the definition of what constitutes a key much harder to come by. But...people do it all the time:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4782132&fpart=1

Personally, I'm fine with the words notable or important or breathtaking being used in lieu of "key" every now and again.

 

Unless you keep the keys to your home or vehicle in your wallet instead of on a keychain, there is no connection between wallets and keys.

 

Prices are a function of supply and demand. Demand is not solely influenced by "keyness" and supply is something else entirely.

 

Not that I'm arguing against Showcase 30. The first solo Aquaman book is certainly significant.

I get what you are saying, but we could probably spend another ten pages analyzing the various criteria by which collectors define the keys in their collection.

Most collectors lean pretty heavily on the OPG lists as a quick reference for the important keys of the various ages. Lists based on value.

Incredible Hulk #181 is absolutely considered a more important key than #180. It could very easily be the other way around. In fact, I listed a couple examples where it actually is the other way around. There is no hard and fast, universally accepted rule regarding cameo vs. first full appearance vs. first cover appearance, etc. In these instances, the most sought after issue is the one that's worth more.

What about classic covers? How do we decide? It's subjective. Yet many people still refer to them as keys. The closest we can come to a consensus regarding these issues is by looking at which books sell for more than others.

The key Sgt. Rock book has changed over the years, and the value of Our Army at War #83 reflects this. I think this is a great example, because it shows how the definition of what is considered key isn't that easy to pin down.

Like I said earlier, it's arbitrary. The best way to gauge consensus is by scrutinizing what people spend their money on. As far as my own collection is concerned, I don't really care how other people choose to spend their money unless it's going to cost me $$$ in the long run. I was only discussing that topic because someone asked me a question. So basically, what I'm saying is that there doesn't have to be a connection, in my own personal collection there isn't a connection, I respect that you don't think there should be a connection, but as far as the majority of the community is concerned, there most definitely IS a connection. Maybe that will change someday. For now, it's all about the Benjamins.

I got Showcase 30 a long time ago. Have always thought of it as a key.

Movie, schmoovie, I couldn't care less.

There is no retcon, there is no bamboozling, not towards me. Sorry.

 

Congrats..?

 

No sure what this has to do with anything?

I was trying to reply to your other post, but it is now dust in the wind. Probably for the best, since you don't want such silliness leaving a stain on your posting legacy.

Anyway, you were searching for consensus. That's easy. Collectors have spoken with their wallets, and Showcase #30 is, at the very least, a minor key.

Why is Hulk #181 considered a more important key than #180? Money. That's the consensus. Sure, there are specific reasons that people used when the majority chose #181. They are the opposite reasons people used when they decided on the key Doomsday and Darkseid appearances. The consensus is often arbitrary. Why is Batman #227 considered a key? Batman #251? How about a Hulk vs. Thor battle from 1973, nearly a decade after they first fought? None of these feature a first appearance of note. Yet they all command a premium.

So what is our clearest indicator of what collectors consider to be key? How they choose to spend their money.

This consensus you seek doesn't really help your argument.

So what else is heating up on eBay besides the white hot juggernaut that is Showcase #30? Are the still affordable Dr. Strange books about to get another bump as more movie info is made available?

A couple pages back I linked to a half dozen ebay listings no less where every single seller referred to this book as the "first SA appearance" of aquaman.

 

I suggest you take a look at those again and then you tell me who exactly is trying to convince whom of what. (thumbs u

 

-J.

I agree that it is not the first silver age Aquaman, and I certainly agree that people often stretch the truth to try and get a sale on eBay.

We may need that coke and a hug after all. (thumbs u

Sanctimonious self-serving sentimental silliness.

 

This thread is full of poppycock.

 

Showcase 30 is rising on a movie high and being sold on a stack of lies. Not a solid argument in the bunch giving it any credence as any form of a key and continued statements of "it's in my personal collection and I personally value it as such" and "simple refusal to counter-point" are prime examples of the nonsense.

 

+1 to J

1. I can't help but picture Elf when I read the "on a stack of lies" comment.

2. There have been quite a few people providing solid reasons as to why they consider this book a key. You seem to keep ignoring them or declaring their reasoning unfit to meet your personal high standards of keyness.

When I say "I consider this a key, and you don't. Fine with me.", I'm not suggesting that we share a coke and a smile and then hug it out. It's not sentimental nonsense; we've simply reached an impasse. I've stated my case, and you disagree. What else is there to say? Financially, the market eventually decides. Personally, I decide for me, and you decide for you.

Showcase 30 is in fact not a key and has never been a book anybody chased before his appearance in a movie was announced. That single even did not suddenly turn this book into a "key". Temporary perceived "value" or not, there is nothing remotely important about that book for it to warrant such a lofty designation. I understand that many people have bought this book believing it is something that is not. Lesson learned. But please, please, don't let the fact that you own or like this book cause you to retcon it in your imagination into being a "key". Just keep it real and enjoy owning your non-key book that you like.

 

-J.

This quote is absolutely a key. 1st full appearance of Jaydog as "Key Master".

How do you know it is "in fact" not a key? Did the Illuminati convene a special session wherein Showcase #30 was forbidden key status?

I'm joking because I know you must have been when you said "enjoy owning your non-key book that you like.". Yes, that deserved to be quoted twice in one reply. I need to be sure that you understand that you and I don't get to decide what books are the keys in other people's collections. Maybe the market decides, depending on the definition of key, but I'm certain that we don't.

And if we are leaving it up to the popular vote of the collecting community, then this book is very much a key. The money has spoken, and people are spending it on Showcase #30. I'm not selling my copy, so the rise in price doesn't fatten my wallet, but I do still wonder why you two are so intent on going out of your way to convince everyone that this isn't a sought after book. Is it just that you want your personal definition of key to be recognized as the accepted version?

I understand that you disagree, but why does that mean everyone else has to be wrong? All joking aside, I'm genuinely curious and not attacking you. It just reads more like you are bringing down the tablets from Mount Sinai and declaring the truth, rather than debating the merits of the book.

Showcase #30 isn't a traditional SA revival key, but it is notable as a tryout for a solo Aquaman title, and 1st Aquaman cover outside being a member of the JLA, for a character that had been around for 20 years. I'd consider it more important than Aquaman #1, the same way Showcase #9 is more important than Lois Lane #1.

 

This. This. A thousand times this.

 

That said, Aquaman is still lame.

 

I would argue that Aquaman reached such dizzying heights of lameness that he entered a kitschy wormhole, came out on the other side, and is now unmitigatedly amazeballs.

 

A founding member of the Super Friends stars in his first solo book. How is that not a key?

 

 

Saying something a thousand times doesn't make it any more true than one or a million. I get you are trying to emphasize a point, but the reference doesn't legitimize your statement.

 

Things like "first tryout issue" and "first cover outside JLA" are not reasons for a book to be considered key. They aren't even close to a realistic justification of what could qualify a book to be key. "First appearance" or even "first appearance in X age" are reasons to be considered some level of "key." Beyond that there is a very short list that includes things like: first famous artist or writer and significant plot or social issue...not "first tryout."

 

FYI - his first solo book is Aquaman 1, not Showcase 30.

 

I was actually making a reference to the quote "Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!" because I need a little variety in my life, and typing +1 all the time bores me.

I also thought that Showcase #9 was an excellent example, because Lois had appeared in more than 300 comics at this point, but she never had her name featured in the title before. The same thing happens for one of DC's most important superheroes(one of the most well known comic book characters in existence) in showcase #30; Aquaman is finally ready for prime time.

The way I view this is that Showcase #30 is a key book in my collection and it isn't in yours. I'm totally fine with that.

As a collector, the books I search for are important to me for my own personal reasons and I only care about their value because it helps me prioritize my future purchases. Obviously, I'd much rather fill a hole in my collection before the book I need triples in price. Also, I'll always search for underrated books that I think will earn me $$$ in the future, because it's a fun way to turn your comics into more comics. Other than that, who cares?

Honestly, I'll take it a step further and say that one of the great pleasures of joining these boards is discussing your shared love of comic books. Not everything needs to be sunshine and roses, friendly debate can be fun too, but why do you care if someone else considers something a key? There is no right or wrong answer here.

Showcase #30 isn't a traditional SA revival key, but it is notable as a tryout for a solo Aquaman title, and 1st Aquaman cover outside being a member of the JLA, for a character that had been around for 20 years. I'd consider it more important than Aquaman #1, the same way Showcase #9 is more important than Lois Lane #1.

This. This. A thousand times this.

That said, Aquaman is still lame.

I would argue that Aquaman reached such dizzying heights of lameness that he entered a kitschy wormhole, came out on the other side, and is now unmitigatedly amazeballs.

A founding member of the Super Friends stars in his first solo book. How is that not a key?

His scene with the celery in MacGruber tells you all that you need to know.

Laurence Olivier couldn't have pulled that off.

Alot of movement on Trimpey books. The industry has spoken - Everyone is paying tribute to the true giant behind the green giant.

 

He did all green giants well:

 

 

+1

The first run I ever completed as a kid.

I collected Godzilla, Hulk, Indiana Jones, MTU and G.I. Joe. Herb was such an important part of my early collecting years.

This is a good example of when Overstreet is not your friend if you are a seller...

 

Someone got a really really really good buy on this one - and a volume discount with the other two Weird Wonder Tales Variants to go with it.

 

 

 

Wow. What an amazing bargain.

Is Weird Wonder Tales #15 still considered one of the rarest 30 centers? This copy and the consignment 1.5 from MCS both sold in February, but there are thought to be less than 20 copies remaining, right?

I absolutely love your blog, by the way. Thank you very much for it's existence. :smile:

THANK YOU!

 

 

Side by side, in the same lighting, there is a slight difference in the coloring of the white cover for the glossy (slightly off-white).

With the angled light on the cover, they have slightly different "glares"...

but I don't see anything that would help me know that a copy was glossy if someone posted the photos from one book or the other in an auction.

One is blue and black, and the other is white and gold.

I just received some more great books from Jack, and I couldn't be happier. The grading was spot-on and the packaging was perfect, just like it was with my original order.

Thanks again!

Yep, I agree.

 

They won't bench the superstar right when they get him back.

He IS the face of Marvel Comics.

 

He used to be the face of Marvel Comics.

 

There is nothing he is the leader of at Marvel comics anymore.

 

You don't see Spidey as the most iconic, and popular, of all the Marvel characters?

Interesting...

 

Who has your vote as Marvel's #1 cape?

 

Currently its easily the Avengers. It was the X-men for years and

still would be if Marvel hadn't de-emphasized them because they don't make any money on them anymore.

 

Spidey just isn't it and hasn't been for a long time. Again Sony owning him has caused this as well. You will see a re-surgence of his popularity now that Marvel has more access to the character rights now.

 

Please don't confuse Spidey's popularity from the 60s to 90s. I am talking in the present.

 

 

The following post is intended for entertainment purposes only, and not at all in a "My opinions are vastly more intelligent and markedly awesomer than yours." sort of way. That being said...

It's surprising how many people on these boards seem to forget how obscenely popular the Raimi Spider-Man films were. Spider-Man was the Avengers of the early aughts, outgrossing both Star Wars and LOTR at the domestic box office of the time; a time when Batman was still suffering from his ugliest black eye in pop culture terms.

And Spider-Man and Batman are honestly the only two comic book characters who have ever even been in the "most popular" conversation since I've been alive.

I absolutely love Superman, but no. Maybe he was still in contention during the 70s(at the very latest), but no one would compare him to the other guys today, right?

Wolverine and the X-Men? Decades of strong comic book sales, toys, cartoons and video games since the 90s, and even successful films for the last 15 years, have all helped the X-Men break into the pop culture consciousness. But hasn't Spider-Man done all this and more during the very same time frame? The X-Men always get the benefit of being graded on a curve.

The most successful X-Men movie ever is the box office equivalent of panic and "let's scrap this and start over" for Spider-Man. The merchandising has never been equal, and Wolverine has never been the icon that Spider-Man is. Also, how could Spider-Man's heyday have been the 60s-90s when he achieved his greatest mainstream fame and popularity after this time period? A popularity that dwarfed that of the X-Men at that very same time? I don't think it's really much of a contest.

Spider-Man is the most collected comic book character there is, and that's how it's been for the 25 years I've been selling comics-nothing flies out of the longboxes like Spidey. Still, thanks in part to some poor decision-making in the comics and films of the last decade, I'd give the edge to Batman as the overall most popular superhero. As far as the Marvel heroes are concerned though? Spider-Man is their Mickey and their Donald. It's Spidey in a landslide.

P.S. "Please don't confuse Spidey's popularity from the 60s to 90s. I am talking in the present."

In the present we find that Amazing Spider-Man #1 was the highest selling comic of 2014, and his inclusion in the Marvel Studios film universe is obviously one of the most talked about events in the comic world. Just like Peter Parker, even his failures are followed by glorious triumph.