World Devourer

Our little friend is getting a lot of use these days. Encapsulates the general dismay over current prices...

This made me laugh as it also occurred to me. He invited his fellow posters to afternoon tea and got more than he bargained for...

I was thinking more in terms of CGC rated items, as potential buyers see 9.8 and their eyes light up. As for raw, I would never purchase or encourage others to, as it is simply too subjective and fraught with issues.CGC offers that graded guarantee, I think the best advice for beginners is: 1. Determine if you are a collector or investor (you can be both but it takes a fine touch). 2. Seek advice on potential buys to avoid pitfalls (such as movie hype or ridiculous speculation such as Werewolf By Night #32). 3. Buy what you can afford. In Point 2 there also needs to be an explanation of grades, and why sometimes a lower grade will do (eg. Amazing Fantasy #15 or Incredible Hullk #1). There could also be a sub-section on potential selling, as a pet hate of mine is rookies having CGC grade "nothing issues" that become a 5 - 9.2 and then sit on Ebay for months (or years). Food for thought.

Agreed, but if you look at most Ebay sale pages now the focus is on the grade. This is something rookie collectors often fixate on.

Heh. Also true. Since the Silver Age ended in 1968, I would respectfully suggest trying for an Avengers #52 in 9.8 W. It is still affordable and in keeping with the Black Panther theme (1st app. in Avengers).

Bingo. This is what the hobby has become.

Agreed. I suspect a few dealers use this tactic as well.

Anthony, perhaps I was being too cryptic. It may be that figure for listed sales, but not so on the Dark Market.

There you go.

That's actually the price of a 9.6 now. Yes, this is indeed the Variant Age.

Correct. And since divad hasn't actually contributed anything of note, I'm guessing he doesn't have any of the aforementioned gems. Posting emoticons seems to be his forte - but no one wants those (multiple variants but unlimited copies).

Well, do you own a copy?

Two inaccuracies in as many sentences. Best to stop there.

SM #75 is a slow burner. I was never actually comparing it to anything else - it is simply a quirky little phenomenon unto itself. As Authority said, right now you can have your cake and eat it. Time will tell.

Yes, and I believe the Platinum in 9.8 will appreciate in value.

Go back to sleep. But, since I have just acquired 3 variants courtesy of this methodology I'll keep this - That's what I think of the types who struggle in the public arena.

Because the 9.8 W is very rare. One sold on the Dark Market in May for the same price. It will rise.

There's also Wolverine #145 (Nabisvo variant). This one will creep in on account of rarity.

There could also be a list - indeed a topic thread - devoted to the "Dark Market": those sales that are conducted privately. The trend at the moment is to view an item on Ebay and then contact the seller and work out a private deal (with Ebay not getting a cent).

Nice list, Jay. And yes, as I've said before this is the Variant Age. It is a more refined - if mercenary - version of the prototypical Chromium Age.

Although some issues had massive print runs, they do retain some value. I find it interesting that the Poly-Bagged Platinum variant of Superman #75 sells for over $300 - despite the fact that copies regularly appear for sale.

Not ALL comics, but rarity is a strong factor.

Newsflash. It is now a "cover sport". CGC saw to that.

As always, Square and I agree.

Heh. Touting a WTB is a double-edged sword - you draw attention to it.