grube09

I would have it regraded by someone other than PGX just to make sure it is not restored. Personally, I would equate buying a book in a PGX slab to buying a raw book from someone you do not know. What's really inside is anyone's guess.

Great colors on that 17 (thumbs u

Thanks guys! Definitely excited to add those 2 to the collection. Going back to my childhood, Sandman was always a favorite and those colors on #9 with Electro....just a great combo.

My latest additions (thanks to drbanner)

I'll second that WOW! That is one serious, serious book that is absolutely stunning. Congrats!

Great looking 32! I'm trying to complete my 31-33 set. This 32 is a beaut! (thumbs u

Thanks to Ed (ft88), I can punch my ticket to the club I've always wanted to get in

With regard to VueScan, I am still playing around with my settings, but I have used 400 DPI with brighness turned to 0.805. There is still some glare which I may never be able to get rid of, but this setting seemed to represent the book pretty well.

Hope that helps!

Thought I would throw my hat in the ring!

Hi Guys - just wanted to confirm that an HP ScanJet 8200 does scan slabs and the scan area is legal size. I know there has been some confusion on whether or not the scan area was big enough to scan a full slab, but I can confirm that it does. I found a cheap one on the bay, got it today, and was up and running with VueScan in minutes.

Unfortunately not everyone is fortunate enough to work for a company that offers matching 401 k benefits, stock options, etc. And if someone is willing to put $500, $1000 into one comic book, he would be foolish to not treat it at least as a quasi-investment. That's a lot of money to most people.

 

I would pick the IH 181 as well from an "investment" standpoint, but it's definitely not by a landslide. Let's not overlook or minimize the importance of GSXM 1. It was, after all, not just the first appearance of storm, nightcrawler, etc, but also of the classic x men team that brought the title back from the dead. It's also wolverine's first appearance as an "x-man" (and 2nd full overall). This book is cheaper than 181 and is far less common on the census. It wouldn't take much for this book to spike, perhaps not to 181 numbers, but it could conceivably close the gap. The 181 is probably a safer bet but with it's lower entry point the GSXM 1 probably has more upside.

 

Okay I just changed my mind, the GSXM 1 might actually be the better pick after all.

 

-J.

 

 

I love this statement, and I think it's a point that the naysayers are completely missing. Key issues are investments, because people put a lot of money into these books, and in the long run, there can be return. Many comics have proven this to be true for decades. Sure, there might be better/safer investments than key issue comics, but that doesn't rule out the fact that books like AF 15 are much more of an investment than a hobby. You just need to be wise with which comics you choose to invest in.

What these two said (thumbs u

Very good point. The last stock I picked was Countrywide Financial, so my investment track record is spotty, at best

As many others have said, buy to collect and enjoy. Anything else will be a bonus (thumbs u

"The value of IH 181 is at least 70% based on movies. If Wolverine never made it there he would be not be considered a key."

 

 

 

I STRONGLY disagree with this statement.

 

I think the movie speculation effects the B, C and D list characters way more than someone as popular as Wolverine.

 

How much was a 181 worth in the nineties. Couple hundred bucks at most? Then the movies came and it skyrocketed to what it is today. You will not see a huge increase in value for this book over the long haul like 20 years or so because it doesn't have the stamina.

 

Cheers, Howard

 

 

It's been a four figure book for 20 years.

Amen. Hulk 181 was a hot book when I was 12 years old...that was 1988. It's hotter than ever right now. Bottom line, it is a great book with a hugely popular character that has already proven to be generational and no matter how many copies CGC reports as graded, demand has always outweighed supply. It is the next generations AF 15 to me. On a smaller scale this same argument applies to GS X-Men 1. Great book with immense importance and a demand outweighing supply. Beyond Apple and Google, it's difficult to find stocks with as good a track record...

Thanks everyone! And thanks to jaydog for helping me out with the background on the army star stamps.

 

I like the star - could you share the background ? Curious on the backstory. Thanks

Jaydogrules shared this information with me:

"Yes the star stamp means that the book was bought from an overseas US military base. When the book was purchased the clerk would stamp it to indicate that the book was paid for."

It's kind of neat to know that history associated with the book. Whoever stamped the book did a great job...it kind of blends right in! I didn't even notice it at first until I came across a thread with Jaydog's IM 55 book that is stamped as well.

I think I used to visit a Capital City Comics in Milwaukee back in the early 90's, near the UW-Milwaukee campus. The back issue shelves were just comics stacked about two feet high so the bottom issues were "pressed" perfectly and I cherry picked all the bronze DC Horror, MTU, and all the Tony Stark listed cheap Bronze gems. It was about a 1.5 hour drive so I always made a day of it. Ate at Mike's Chicago Dogs and always caught a flick at the college movie theater next to the comic shop. One special night My brother and I caught a showing of this anime I never heard of, Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend. Oh boy.

Oh yes, the stacks! I did the same thing. I used to just sit and dig through the stacks! I'm not sure which was better back then...walking into the comic store or walking into Toys 'R Us to get the newest Nintendo/Sega game

Capital City Comics in Madison, WI. I used to spend all of my birthday money there every year when I was 12, 13 years old in the late 80's. What good memories! The thing I remember most was the smell...definitely got the adrenaline going when I walked in! For one birthday my mom bought me an ASM 121 & 122 for $20 each. That was a ton of money to me back then so those books have always been special to me. I just got them slabbed last year.

Thanks everyone! And thanks to jaydog for helping me out with the background on the army star stamps.

My contribution to the club! I really liked the placement of the army star stamp. Thanks to Brock for upgrading my 6.5 to this!

The book that I could never forget as a kid (but could never afford) and got me back into collecting as an adult.

I purchased my now beloved ASM 14 6.5 from Travis and could not be happier. Very easy to work with and a smooth transaction. Couldn't ask for anything better!!

I recently picked up an ASM 239 from Jared and the deal went as smooth as could be! Would love to deal with again. Outstanding seller and board member!

Finally broke down and decided to grade the few comics I had that we're worth something. After a little reserch, chose CGC, and their boards led me to this one. I realized I might learn something if I stick around.

+1 for me as well. I have known about CGC since 2004-2005, but just got back into collecting late last year and as a first step, submitted the better books I had from way back when. I have mainly just lurked and learned here and have had awesome buying experiences from other boardies.

I have purchased books from Joey on a few occasions now and each one has been awesome. Books look terrific, packed securely, shipped quickly, fair prices. He's a great guy and a great seller. A+! Thanks buddy!

Hi Everyone! I'm relatively new to the boards, but have bought from some of you already, so fire away anyone/everyone!

I recently made a purchase and a trade with Joey and it was fantastic. Great communication and great books! Thanks again Joey....looking forward to many more transactions!