Randall Dowling

Apparently $146,444 got it.

I think there are at least a couple of people trying to redefine Marvel 1 November copies as reprints or second printings and presenting themselves as experts in this thread. This would amplify any current perceived delta in value between the October copies and November copies that already exists. Given the number of people on these boards that have owned or currently own a copy of Marvel 1, it seems disingenuous to suggest that these boards have no impact on or represent some portion of the high end comic market. Value is based on perception, perception can be distorted by even the smallest of whispers. Happens everyday on Wall Street.

I had always heard (or read, I forget which as I'm getting older) that Goodman seriously underestimated how well it would sell and when reports came back that it was already sold out in a week, he realized he had a hit on his hands and went back and ordered another 800,000 copies (or whatever the number was). This is, of course, completely heresay, rumor, and conjecture that MAY be true but isn't certain or fact. And shouldn't be treated as such. Even if this is so, the fact that there are differences is more of a curiosity than a real tangible reason to devalue November copies. I think also that everyone is viewing this through the same methods and practices in place today. When Marvel or DC make a second printing today (and over the last 25 years), it is clearly marked or has a different cover artwork or other significant difference. In the 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s, I'd be willing to bet that the "edition size" of a given comic was nowhere near as fixed, as people like to imagine it. These were comic books, of no value than the cover price kids and GIs paid to read them. If you sold a bunch, call the printer and have him print some more and ship 'em to the stands. I'm sure this was more common than we'll ever know. The books on this thread are probably the tip of the iceberg with most "second printing" events being indistinguishable from the rest. And I agree, there's no way you can call November copies reprints. That implies the same material being repackaged in a different way. The black stamp over October (which does look to me like it was run through mechanically as Gator and Geppi suggest) doesn't come close to qualifying as a reprint to me. The Whitman Marvels in the 70s were reprints. This ain't that.

This conversation reminds me of Voltaire- "Doubt is an unpleasant condition but certainty is absurd" Gator- that's really amazing that you had one of each at the same time. I think there aren't many people that know the high end market as well as you and Mr. Bedrock (a.k.a. Tall Texan). Thanks for your posts and insights as they're always valued.

That November copy's looking better and better!

I'm a little surprised at how this conversation would look to a lot of inexperienced collectors. The tone of a lot of the posts is that the November copies are chumpy reprints and the October copy is the only one to have. If I had a choice between a very presentable 8.0 November copy with nice eye appeal/gloss and an October copy that was structurally a 7.0 but lacked great colors and had a blurred printed image, I'd buy the November copy very quickly and be happy for my good fortune. EVEN if the November copy cost a little more. Because condition and presentation of the comic are what matter to me. I understand how there would be some that would chase the absolute earliest printing of something but pretty much every collector I personally know would choose the November copy in the same situation. And yes, I'm aware of how impossible the above situation is due to the crazy scarcity of Marvel Comics 1!

This was my exact impression as well. I thought for sure someone thought they were cool, coloring on a comic book. Very shocked to find out it's a printing difference.

That's a really special book, sir! Owning it places you in a very, very small club. 99.9% of comic collectors/enthusiasts will never own one. And not for lack of desire!

FWIW, I'll offer my understanding as someone who dabbles in collecting books, comics, magazines and all kinds of other ephemera. Marvel Comics #1 (either Oct. or Nov.) is an incredibly rare comic. I would guess that there are somewhere between 200-300 copies still in existence (although that could be off +/- 200 copies). This differentiation between the 2 months has been known for some time but everyone still considers either one to be a "first edition". Conceivably, the November copies are "second printings" of the "first edition". In any case, both printings are so rare that any delta in the price valuation between the two has traditionally been negligible. Condition has been a far greater factor in setting the price. Traditionally. However, as someone who has always considered this to be the grail of comic collecting (yes, I'm old school), I'd be overjoyed to own any copy and would probably follow tradition in my own valuation. Having said that, if I had a choice between 2 copies that were essentially the same grade and the only difference was that one was an October and the other a November, then of course, I'd choose the October- IF the price was the same. What is that premium worth in dollars to me? Maybe 10% more. Probably depends on grade.

I love that piece! One of my favorite Craig covers. Nice pickup!!

This is an awesome choice. Always wanted a copy of it.

Depending on condition, that was probably a fair price to pay for them. If you got $100 for a box of Mads from that time period, I think you did pretty well.

Yes, it is. If anyone has a high grade copy they want to sell, let me know. That's part of the tough run in Eerie- issues 39-45 which don't often come up nicer than 8.0

it's even better on Eerie 41. Although harder to find in high grade.

Either it's listed under Warren Presents or nobody has sent one in to be certified. Otherwise, I'm not aware of any prohibition for that book.

You and me both, sir! That's been harder than any of the others. I would even pay GPA for a raw copy but there just aren't any around.

That's some unadulterated hoarding!! It might not be illegal, but that doesn't make it right!

This is an awesome thing to have put together! Many thanks!!

This is a great book. If I didn't already have a copy, I'd be all over it. And you're right about the interior artwork- great stuff!

I don't like the way he's manhandling those comics!

Bryan's one of the best guys on the boards. Absolutely the best communication and a top notch member of the community!! Thanks again, sir!

It's a great deal and a beautiful set of books!

Everything left in this thread is now 25% off!! Feel free to PM with questions.

Damn! I didn't see that coming, Bedrock!