Hudson

Peter, I am glad you put the Bible first, however, I am concerned about you listing AF15 as the second most important work ever published. Let's be honest, without Action 1, it is hard to believe there ever would have been an AF15 (or any other man in tights). This is NOT to say that AF15 should not hold a very high place on the "Most important published works list" (if such a list exists). I am just not clear how you can put it in at #2, my friend.

Gary, these are amazing. Of course I am sure you already know that. THANK YOU for sharing these photos. Awesome, simply awesome!!!!

This helps. Action 2 and If the Devil Would Talk (B&W) would still make the list. May make picking the other 3 a little easier.

Difficult question, Rick. Surprised to see the "answer man" actually asking a question. Not sure I even have an easy answer. I know Action #2 would be in the list (my all time favorite cover) After that it would be difficult to choose between the Early Actions I like (for example #5), with those worth $$$$ (for example #7 and #10). I know I would also want to keep my B&W If the Devil Would Talk. The thread title said "5 books", but then I see you narrowed it down to just GA. This helps as I have 1 or 2 SA that might otherwise take up spots in the top 5 must keeps. Not sure this answers the question, but it is the best I can do without more serious consideration.

Sorry, Steve, I was not trying to "lump you in", and I intended no offense. I too am a "completist" and fully understand your desire to have a complete run (even if some consider it "drek" - a term I never liked as it implies that one person's collecting preference is better than another's). Perhaps you are correct that Chuck makes enough on these "more common" books and thus does not really need to sell many "keys" or can hold out for higher prices on said "keys". I am glad to see you are still posting. You have good thoughts on many interesting topics. Cheers!

Thank you for taking the time to provide these examples. It sounds as if you are happy with their prices and grading (even if the customer service is not the best).

It appears as if at least a few board members believe MHC's price are "reasonable", while many (including myself) believe they are high and out of touch with reality. When I started this thread more than 6 months ago, I listed 6 random examples of low grade, non-key, silver age Action Comics that IMO were overpriced compared to the market and the prices listed at competitors like MCS and Metropolis (see page 1). I picked these books as they were NOT keys or hard to find; thus making for easy comparisons to the competitors. Having received a recent email from MHC, offering 40% off, I decided to go to their site and see if the 6 books I listed on page 1 of this thread were still for sale (and at what price). To my surprise, the two copies of Action #244 are no longer listed on the site. The other 4 books are still listed and are as follows.... Action #246 in Fair was previously listed at $123 (with a 60% off discount bringing the actual cost down to $49.20). Action #246 in Fair is now listed at $62 (with 40% off bringing the actual cost down to $37.20). Action #246 in Good was previously listed at $245 (with a 60% discount bringing the actual cost to $98.00) Action #246 in Good is now listed at $103 (with a 40% off bringing it to $61.80) Action #249 in VG was previously listed at the IMO insane price of $441 (with 60% off bringing it to $176.40) Action #249 in VG is now listed at $205 (with 40% off bringing it to $123) Action #250 in Good was previously listed at $250 (with 60% off bringing it to $96) (it is hard to even take that one seriously) Action #250 in Good is now listed at $100 (with 40% off bringing it to $60). In conclusion, I would argue that Chuck has become more "reasonable" on the listed books, however, I still feel these prices are beyond FMV. Perhaps free shipping helps a little to offset the higher prices, but does it help that much? I am not "anti-chuck" or against Mile High. I think people should be able to charge whatever they want for their goods and services. I am just curious as to who those "buyers" are that are willing to spend more for a given book that can be so easily found on a number of other sites at lower prices. Some people have stated that they are comfortable paying MHC prices; that they believe them to be competitive. Could you please provide a few examples of exact books that MHC is selling for what you believe is < or = to FMV. Thanks in advance.

I guess this would depend on whose name is written on the front cover. I would prefer no writing on the front cover (or anywhere else), however, I have purchased a number of books where people have written their names on the cover. I would rather a person's name than some child's scribbling on the cover. Perhaps this is because my father once told me that when he was a child, he would write his name on the comics he read. I believe this was because he traded comics with the other children in the neighborhood and it helped him remember which ones he had already read. I would love to some day find a book with his name written on it. As for other names being written on the book (other than some previous owner), I tend to avoid those books. This may be sacrilege here on the boards, however, I find books with artist or creator's signatures on them to be a real "turn off". I remember looking at a Daredevil #1 for sale here on the boards one day. I was happy with the book and price, but could not get over the big black signature of "Stan Lee" sprawled on the cover. Deal Breaker! This is nothing against Stan (a legend to be sure). I would rather a book some kid signed his name on, back in the early 40s (which is kind of nostalgic), than a book Stan Lee signed his name across last week (like the million other books he has signed). If I had to buy a book signed by an artist or creator, than I would rather it be signed on the first page and NOT on the cover. I am probably in the minority here, but that is one of the things that make collecting fun; everyone has different things they like and dislike and yet we can all enjoy the hobby together.

There are many things which can and do make a book less desirable or a "turn off", however, if it is a book I really want then there is only ONE thing that is a "deal breaker"; an excessive price tag! All the other defects (although not desirable) can be acceptable if the price is right on a "must have" book. Perhaps the opportunity to upgrade will present itself at a later time, but for right now, if it is a "must have" then a reasonable price tag can hide a multitude of defects. For example, if anyone out there has an Action 1 or Suspense 3 with too many defects for them to enjoy, then just send me a PM.

The $$$$ limit set is perhaps what makes this a challenge. With unlimited funds and the internet, I am rather certain most people here could pick up these 250 books and complete the task in very little time. The OP has wisely left out things like AF15 (which in and of itself would likely have made this challenge impossible). Not to say AF15 is not a great book to have, just that it would take a more significant budget. I wish the OP good luck and applaud his decision to actually READ the comics he is buying (what a novel concept).

Yes. You have to adjust your settings to see them.

I agree they used to have some really great stuff a few years back. At that time I purchased an 8.0 slab from them. I thought the price was "reasonable" at the time. I don't recall purchasing from them since, however, it is possible I have.

It was not an easy decision, but I figured I could put it away and perhaps it would be a decent inheritance for my children one day. I kick myself for all the copies (of AC1) I turned down over the years. MUCH nicer books for MUCH less $$$$, but we cannot dwell on mistakes made or opportunities lost. That is a bad and negative road to go down. I am thankful for the books I have.

I emailed the store owner and asked him the price. He said, $110K. I asked if that was negotiable and he said. "No". I called and told him I would take it for $110K. He then said he had a customer who had offered him $100K, who he had turned down. He said he wanted to give that customer more time to think about it and see if he would up his offer to the $110K asking price. The owner emailed me a few days later stating he had sold it for the $110K to the other customer. Some things are just not meant to be. I am very blessed by many people and things in my life. Not having an AC1 cannot change that (as much as I may want one).

Heck, I don't need a 9.0 copy. I would have been happy with this one. Even though I offered the seller his full BIN price, it was not meant to be. So I am guessing AC1 is one book I will never own in any condition. In the end, however, it is important to remember that they are all just things and things alone cannot bring you true happiness.

I have no idea.

Both covers look correct to me. If you want to see the back cover, there is a board member who has a back cover for sale on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Action-Comics-7-1938-Back-cover-only-Very-Scarce-2nd-Superman-cover-/252642777524?hash=item3ad2aed9b4:g:-tAAAOSwHMJYGpkX This same member also has a complete copy for sale, if you are interested in it, Harold.

I remember those shows at the 57 very well. I would mark the date on my calendar and count down the days. Fond memories of a simpler time.

Sorry. Did not intend to take up that much real estate. Maybe there is a way to shrink it down.

I agree that I think someone got a bargain. I did not even know about that auction site. Think I need to look it up, if they sell books like that.

Thank you, Sir. That worked!!!

I can't see anyone's sig line. Probably because I am computer illiterate (Hope I can say that and not offend anyone).

+1. Finder's fee would be warranted. Of course, I would like Harold to have first shot (if you decide not to pull the trigger). He has been wanting one for a long time.