John E.

Pretty sad turn of events. So what name was he using on CAF? I assume it’s different than what’s on the package?

The "local" con there would be California Republic Comic Con however, having been to the cons that this promoter puts on, it's not the type of con that fans go to buy high end art. If the suspect wanted to sell the piece at a con, he'd also have a variety of cons to go to should he be willing to travel a few hours. Ryan, if you want me to send you a list of cons the suspect may hit up, let me know; however, the promoters may be ambivalent to your situation. That is to say, they're not going to put on their hunting hats and grab their magnifying glasses to look high and low for it. But hey, anything is worth a try. They would need a police report though--they are not going to confiscate high end artwork based on "hearsay."

When this alternative third-party grading company first entered the fray, I asked a rep about their VSP while at a comic-con. The rep told me that their signatures are authenticated through a computer program that runs the signature through many authenticated signatures. In fact, the rep told me that it wasn't them who actually did it, but rather they sent it to another company to do this. Their website now doesn't mention any of this. Their website makes it sound like there's a team of three people looking at every signature. And now that it's under Beckett's ownership, I especially don't know how the VSP has changed. I don't know how Beckett verifies signatures but I would find it odd to go from a computer application analyzing it to humans doing it, with the latter being more prone to errors. By the way, the rep at the alternative third-party grading company told me that they don't authenticate art, just the signature. As far as I know, no company authenticates art (for a fee like you would an autograph). The insinuation is that if the signature's authentic, then the art is--so it's based on faith. On a different note, there was a Batman painting attributed to Bob Kane that sold on ComicLink not too long ago. Now Bob Kane is another artist known to be faked and he even had ghost artists! The signature, however, was verified by JSA and the piece sold at what I thought was a high price ($5100). I know the dealer who consigned it, who is a comic dealer not an art dealer, and who probably got it in a trade--which is to say I don't think he knew about the history of Bob Kane fakes and I didn't feel it was in my place to break it to him. He had the painting for sale at a show for somewhere between high 4-figures to low 5-figures, so he might have been disappointed with the auction result. My guess is that those Frazettas should do well even if it's not as well as they could if they had the provenance. And if you didn't dump money into it, then everything is just icing on the cake.

Mike Mignola could have an unspoken policy similar to Art Adams and Bruce Timm where he shows up very fashionably late to his table. This has been used as a deterrent for dealers to buy their stuff or fill up their sketch lists before the show starts. The hardcore fans who wait in line an hour after the con starts usually benefit. Your best bet is to get to the show as early as possible before the doors open, be one of the first to get in, and plant yourself at his table until he shows up.

Hello, fellow Comic Art Addicts! I am once again posting an ad for my friend Mel. He has for sale four different Doctor Who illustrations. Each head shot made a composite of a limited edition print. I am attaching my copy of the print as reference. Mel says he will include a copy of the print with a purchase. Each piece of art measures 11"x17". If you look closely some of the pieces have crinkles. The print also measures 11"x17"! The asking price for each is $1,000 or best offer. If you are interested or have any other questions, please contact Mel Smith at wildcardink@yahoo.com Thanks! John Espinoza

Authenticated by Wikipedia 🤔

@chefkv That is some quality art you picked up this year. I especially like the East of West cover.

Here’s one example from the estate sale:

Trust me: I wish Sal wouldn’t sign his name inside every freaking page he got back. When I first paid attention to the fact that his name rests inside the live area of every piece of art he ever laid pencils on, I lost weeks of sleep. I’ve only seen one page untouched by his John Hancock, and it’s probably because it belonged to his inker. Just saying that I don’t notice it anymore because it’s simply a fact of life I accepted. My therapist made me understand that as well as my sleep coach.

Okay, I’m not the guy you’re asking, but—- the one show I attended Mike wasn’t sketching but he did bring small, ~4x6 pencil sketches to sell for about $200. This was about 4-5 years ago. If this turns out to be a small show attendance-wise he might sketch—but being that this is a show about making $$$$$ off the art of others, maybe not. Also, if non-OA collectors/Hellboy fans catch wind of his appearance, they might crowd the show, making less likely he’ll sketch. I know you didn’t ask me, but sharing my experience. (Frank Cho was at the LA Ultimate Show, but as far as I knew, he didn’t sketch.) It’d be cool if Mike does—never hurts to ask, unless it hurts to hear No!

He does this all the time that I don’t even notice it anymore.

Congrats again. Not only is this a grail for you, but for a lot of us. Whatever you sold was well worth it!

Gene has a group photo of the interior pages posted on CAF, so it’s no secret. When he got his 11x17 scanner he said he’d scan each individual page and post them. Still waiting for that

GI JOE: ARAH #32 is a grail of mine That popped up at auction this past fall. Not a price I could afford. Sadly, it’s up for trade bait now. Never know when yours pops up, just be ready for it.

Happy New Year, Comic Art Addicts! I am posting another listing on behalf of my pal, Mel. For sale is a Deadman illustration by the great Michael Golden. Looks like pencil and ink (I don't see why it wouldn't be otherwise). The art measures 9" x 12". The asking price is $500.00USD. If you are interested, please contact Mel Smith directly at wildcardink@yahoo.com -John Espinoza

Admittedly, when I saw jadegiantcomicart I thought it was from your own collection, which as you state, would be a complete departure from your selling (or lack thereof!) postion It’s why I asked! Your artists are lucky to have you as a rep. No one knows Hulk art like you!

Very cool! Congrats on this new endeavor! I noticed obviously that you will be repping an artist, but will you be selling your own art? I ask because I know you prided yourself on never selling!

Looks like the winners made out like bandits. I wonder if this will happen a second time. I’m certainly going to keep a closer eye next time.

Paging @comiconxion Chuck is the world’s leading expert on Joe art. He schooled me on this exact topic at the L.A. Ultimate show. I’ll let him chime in on the details, but to whet your curiosity, much was given away.

First you talk about the “perma-risk of cashflow for the small business owner,” now it’s about exploiting a “firesale for those with cash-in-hand,” all the while using the implied first-person perspective. So which one are you? Cash-strapped small business owner or flush-with-cash small business owner? I, too, am confused about your positions. The very fact that the IRS won’t be able to process tax refunds to millions of Americans whose well-being relies on their tax refunds is reason enough to want public servants to get back to work, and not praise the shut down as a “paid vacation.”

You’re absolutely right; so happy that the SBA got a surprise paid vacation

I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone is flush with cash.

Nice write-up as always, Lee. Sorry that you’re caught in the crossfire with this gov’t shutdown. Glad you have ways to occupy your time. I hope you won’t have to liquidate your collection to pay the bills. Here’s to seeing an end to it.

Yup it’s gone i was able to record my stats this past weekend.

Yes, that is correct. And if anyone cares about such silly things like I do, you may want to record the vote count your pieces received because once they’re gone, they’re gone. I regret not doing that in the previous years. A simple screen shot should do.