Robot Man

Yes, when. I got them back. I was told that I didn’t have enough documentation. Heck, I bought them from Chuck direct in the mid ‘70’s. I didn’t expect them to take my word for it. If I decide to send in any more of them I will request that he personally checks them out. He is a busy guy and not someone I know well so it’s a bit hard to make this happen.

I would like to go the King Tut route...

No, did not. I assumed he was in charge of the restoration and “manipulation” dept. at CGC. I didn’t realize he was involved in the actual day to day grading process. He obviously did not sniff the very distinct smell of the Church books I submitted...

Yeah Haspel and Matt are very knowledgeable but they don’t grade books for CGC.

I don’t have a lot of faith in the current staff at CGC to be able to determine pedigrees without markings or COAs. I sent in several Church books that I bought directly from Chuck after he found the collection. These were late ‘40’s/early ‘50’s issues with no markings. I noted them as such. None came back with notations on the cases. I sent them to the “other guys”. I spoke to West over there. He said he took a quick “sniff” and knew right away I was right. He and maybe just a few other guys in the hobby are VERY well versed in pedigrees. I just don’t think CGC has people with enough experience to do this.

Sorry to see another collector leave the hobby. I hope it has been a fun ride and wish you luck in wherever you go from here. Perhaps, you will come back someday...

It has happened in the past and will happen again. With the prices a lot of books are going for, it has enticed a lot of “investors” and flippers into the hobby again. Many have no interest in the books nor do they have any history in it. Locally, I see a lot of younger “flipper” guys buying books at very high inflated prices. When they go to sell (usually right away), they find they are making very little and in many cases, losing money on books they don’t even care about. They won’t be around long.

I’ll second that Pop. I have a respectable collection I think. I’m happy with it. Do I have everything I want? No, and at this point in my life I’m OK with it. I am lucky enough to be old enough to have bought stuff back when it was dirt cheap by today’s standards. I had patience and was very diligent. I also worked very hard at it. The “thrill of the hunt” was always and still is the best part of the hobby. I have never lost sleep over a purchase except for some of the ones that got away. It’s a hobby and fun for me. If it ever becomes something I am mentally tortured by, I’m done. I have, and still do occasionally spend what I consider a lot of money on something but few and far in between. Enjoy the hunt, the friendships you make along the way and the beautiful stuff stuff you accumulate no matter how little it is worth to some one else. You will never be sorry!

Damn Gino, I don’t know how you keep coming up with beauties like this rarity? I never see this stuff for sale any more...

One of the best flame thrower covers!

Those Cupples and Leon books are great and so cheap. Fun reads. Don’t have a picture handy but the is one called Smitty at the Ball Game. It features Walter “Big Train” Johnson, Babe Ruth and other famous ball players. Well worth picking up if you can find a copy. Annie has stumbled through the years pretty well but nothing like Miss Boop. She is probably more popular now than ever. And as far as Annie’s legs? Look like tree stumps to me. No match for Betty’s beautiful gams.

I don’t know about any pink or purple on that one but it is a classic. Take a look at the characters. Bill Everett’s tribute to Bill Gaines and Al Feldstein of EC...

I remember when those Anti communist books got hot. I wrote to the publisher asking if they still had any in their files for sale. Several weeks later I got an envelope with several copies of about 4 titles in it at no charge. I traded them all off for other books. I got a beater FF 4 #1 for one and a low grade Planet #2 for another. Same thing with the Trapped anti drug giveaway. They were HOT then! My first Overstreet was #2. The red cover with the 4 GA comic covers on it. I wrote notes all through it and still have it.

When was the last time you spent $15. On a vg copy of a comic with art this good?

Nice one Mark and one I’ve never had. Same for that cool Scarecrow OZ pin next to it!

Just one more really weird obviously, un-authorized item!

Yesterday was Betty Boop's 89th birthday! Still looks good for her age. One of the few almost 90 year old characters that is still viable, collectible and popular. Check this classic Boop cartoon with Cab Calloway (a pretty cool character himself). Lots of eunedos in this. Great dancing including the first appearance of the "moon walk"! Happy birthday Betty, we still love you!

And this one. Maybe my favorite Edler cover. I would like an upgrade but this one does seem tougher to find.

And, these just for fun... I think the guy on the MOD is supposed to be Elvis Costello.

While they were out, I took a skim of them and found these that I had forgotten about...

And, while I was in the box, here is my complete MAD EC run... Yes, I have 2 #1’s. One is signed by Gaines and the other is signed by Kurtzman, Elder, Severin and Davis.

OK, just for Eric, here is my amended Frontline Combat run with the missing Bethlehem #11...

I got another VOH #12. But, I really miss my Crime Patrol #15. Should have kept it. It’s gonna be a challenge at this point. You kept a good HOF. Great cover and origin or 1st appearance of the Old Witch I believe. Recently replaced that one from my buddy “Big Ron” Murray. Gave me a great deal on it.