Kramerica

And I agree. That is where I had it. But with both staples rusty and migrating I took off 3 grades. Both of these sentences are key, because they imply that the buyer/seller/new collector knows about the staples. Nowhere are they referenced. If you're holding this book in your hands you're thinking "nice copy, looks nicer than an 8.0." You could be at a store or convention with the book 6 inches from your face and you don't know about it. This is part of my argument: The book isn't close to an 8.0 grade and that's if you even knew about the staples. Although not part of our grading contest, the condition of the staples is a significant piece of information that is omitted from the CGC label. I really think this is where the "Qualified" designation should be used. I'd argue that the the nature of this book is EXACTLY why the Q designation exists.

So. This contest? Some tough books and a highly controversial one. From what I understand the graders at CGC are the ones who choose which books are going to be in the contest. If this is true, then they chose the Marvel Super-Heroes Secrets Wars #8 for the latest contest. Maybe they were trying to be tough, sneaky even. But if I chose this book, I'd be thinking it would generate a wide range of grade estimates and a HUGE discussion. Since the company stance on rusted staples is in direct opposition to the grade given, I'm honestly left thinking "What in the World were they thinking?!?" Nowhere on the CGC label does it note the presence of HEAVILY rusted staples with migration. I would be very unhappy if I bought this 8.0, cracked it open and found this inside. There are already minor defects present - spine stress, soft corners, misc tiny stuff. I would think it's a very harshly graded book, more like a 9.0 than a 8.0. But after opening it I would think someone has made a BIG mistake. Also, if I DIDN'T crack the book and sold it on eBay I might find myself looking at a return and potential negative feedback. Nowhere does it mention heavily rusted staples with migration. Sorry if this comes across harsh but this is a HUGE miss, a very bad look and a really questionable decision that the grading department chose this book to include in their official grading contest of all places. If this book was purchased on the secondary market and ended up in the wrong hangs it could be a very big storm of negative publicity. Thoughts?

Gorgeous books RD. I had no idea they used those early Vampi covers on later Creepy's.

Thanks again Mike!

I just received my latest box of steamy hotness from the Carousel of Love and I am very pleased with the level of service I received.

Seriously, it's tax time, they have cut positions, increased prices. I read an interview with the new Postmaster General Lewis DeJoy and he sounded like a real Joy to deal with. He basically said prices are going to go up, transit times may or may not stink and this is the way it's going to be if you want to continue to have the Postal Service.

Or Turkey-Breasted.

2 Bulls and 5 points. It's against my religion for a book with both rusty staples in the process of migrating to get anything above a 6.0/6.5.

Blue Oyster Cult is so, so much more than just that song. "Cities of Flame....with Rock & Roll", "Godzilla", "Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars", "Imaginos" (the whole album) are the works of a great band. Explore your mind!

Everyone! While I'm sure you've already seen this on this news I'm sharing here anyway: By Joesph Truini, AP, Rueters,et. Tacoma, WA - This is an Angolan Witch (Ticonderoga ruricola) Spider. Although hunted to near extinction for their tough web silk (often used in used in bungee jump cords) the recent trend of global warming as well as an exotic and harmful algal bloom in the Maracaibo lowlands in the northwest Venezuelan Jungle have resulted in a robustier than normal strain. Since January of 2024, these spiders have migrated up from South America and now spread through Florida, AL, LA, thru Texas and now as far as California. Sightings have also been confirmed in New Mexico, Mexico and Arizona. They primarily feed on cats, smaller reptiles and local livestock although they have been known to partake in smaller children. On April 22nd this abnormally large specimen pictured above was found on the side of this home in Pillows, Texas. It took several gun shots and a localized burst of mustard gas to put it down. An immediate search of the premises found that it had already laid eggs in the basement and after taking a sample the nest was neutralized by circumcision. In the event that you encounter an Angolan Witch Spider, do not feed or encourage them. Recent reports (although unconfirmed) suggest that some have learned to turn door knobs/jiggle handles so it's imperative that you lock your doors. They are primarily active at night when they leave their clubhouse to feed so it's recommended that you bring any smaller livestock inside your house along with your pets and keep your children leashed. The US Fish & Wildlife Service has scheduled a news conference for Friday at 8:00 am so stay tuned for further updates.

I'm kinda excited. Stan signed my facsimile copy of AF #15 "To Mark, Stan Lee" which is cool in itself. It's in a great place - under Spidey's extended left arm - and I'd love to have it pressed and authenticated and (hopefully) slabbed with a SS label.

So I guess that will put some air back in your balloon Mr Hindenburg?

Someone used that book a lot. 3.5 if it isn't too sticky to get into a slab.

Myself as well. And I'm actually pleased. You look at things long enough and you see all sorts of stuff. I saw faces, clouds, bears and other other things as I continued to stare at these books wondering what I was (maybe) missing. I'm implementing a 5 minute max on myself going forward at which point I come up with a grade and that's it.

Geez. I feel violated. That was brutal. Grades in. Waiting for the results to make me question everything I (thought) knew about grading.

3 Bullseyes but I'm still probably last. I've never had a bigger spread between my guess and the actual grade as the Avengers #10.

This is so cool. Thanks Supes! I for one would love you to continue to do this and I think that we - those who participate in the grading contest - should start a fund for you as a way of saying thanks. Enough for you to go buy something nice for yourself in the Marketplace here

Yeah, great looking colors on that one. I'll take it!

I agree. Some of those look a little harsh.

PCH additions from the last 2 months or so:

I'm in!

Actually, my response here is in response to MCS talking here on the Boards about this being a problem and their plans for how to resolve. No, I agree that before it was fine. But it crossed a line at some point and people started taking advantage of their generosity and using the site to shoot for the stars and ask ridiculous. Colin (I think it's Colin) has spoken here about how it actually give MCS a bad look if everything is priced far outside what is acceptable. I think that your questions are exactly the questions that MCS has been thinking about how to address. Asking $2400.00 for a book that just sold for $400.00 is bad enough but when other consignors see that $2400.00 they get stars in their eyes and ask the same you'll have 6 sellers asking silly prices. And these sellers are anonymous (well, most are) so the only people that look bad are MCS. And in this case "letting the market decide" means people go elsewhere. And that's something MCS definitely doesn't want.

This is a tough one. I'd recommend that you palletize everything and shrinkwrap that mutha to Hell and get Harbor Freight or someone to take it. The boxes stay stationary during transit. I think you can do 40-50 boxes per pallet. Have them pick them up and take 'em to your new home. Barring that it just gets difficult. But off the top of my head: You're looking at 2,500 miles, probably 4 days travel. Rent a U-Haul. 3 nights minimum Hotel, Motel (Holiday Inn ). In the event that you can't do it yourself I have three ideas: 1. How about hiring someone on the Boards here to drive it? Maybe a Boardie that could use the extra cash. Even if they are not located in exact city you fly them or train them to where they need to be. Just pay for their time. 2. Contact AppleOne Employment services. Perhaps they would have someone ready for a temp assignment like this. 3. Find a student (preferably football) who attends SDSU and is making the trip to their home in NC. Maybe right now they are planning on flying but they could make some money doing this. You could throw this on the SDSU Bulletin Boards.