bc

So which are we in? By this graph of the S&P 500 over it's lifetime, my laymans opinion is that it's a cyclical bear market : Again, not a professional - please consult a real financial planner for real advice -bc

Just as food for thought, with negative interest rates in key economies and multiple levels of global uncertainty, the idea about moving equities to good ole gold or other physical assets (real estate, art, collectibles) becomes more and more appealing. Even though the recession started in 2008, didn't comic values spike well into 2009-2010 before things settled down other than keys (same time when the typical equity markets rebounded/stabilized)? -bc

Just to provide definition to everyone : A secular bear market is characterized by below average stock market returns as characterized by the S&P 500 for a long time, typically ten to twenty years. On the other hand, a cyclical bear market typically lasts from a few months to a year. -bc

Great question ! After reviewing every PHM issue in the GCD, it appears that the winner is : Journey into Mystery 59, cover date of July 1960. This issue has cover pencil credits going to both Ditko and Kirby. In fact, that's the only one I saw that has that specific designation. There are plenty of PHM books starting in June 1960 (Strange Tales 75 6/60) where Kirby is credited with cover pencils and Ditko did the inks. That continues until the conversion from PHM to the SA superheroes. Hope this helps! -bc

Wow! Great pickup Bob! -bc

Did someone say "red?" That was pretty much my reaction to. That might be the nicest copy I've ever seen ! -bc

You called it - that bright red cover on #8 is notorious for showing everything. The other covers have more background action compared to it which can hide minor imperfections. Hmmm, I can't think of another PHM which has that much red on the cover....off to the GCD for me... -bc

Raw small group shot : -bc

Awesome copy of a tough book ! Congrats ! -bc

-bc

Thumbs Up to Raw Books!!! I was very disappointed that Jeff's girlfriend never appears in the interior story -bc

Last one from the May Clink auction: -bc

But wait, there's more : -bc

This one was too nice to pass up: -bc

Also upgraded my Gorilla-Man: -bc

Another TTA for the vault : _bc

What's new in my PHM world is that you lot have all my nice books now! "and I thank you" (said in my best ZZ Top voice) -bc

Wow - between Clink & CC these last few months, think I'm suffering from chronic auction fatigue... Definitely no loss of supply or demand for the PHM genre going into the summer. Got simply smoked on a lot of books-a few times by thousands more than what I thought were crazy bids (it was late, my Guinness Goggles were on). One of the many going into my vault : Also want to thank KirbyJack and jimjum for helping plug a few gaps in the raw collection ! What's new in your PHM world? -bc

Very very cool - congrats on staying with it and thanks for sharing ! Like others have said, great to this off-beat set in such high grade ! -bc

You're not alone! It turned on the water works for me as well. Heart-warming & truly inspirational. You are a beacon of hope for this planet! -bc

Hi KJ, You have any timeframe in mind for the sale? The reason I am asking is the May CLink auction is nearing and wondered if I needed to cut my internet cable that week so I have funds for a chance at some of your books. Plus that will help me determine if I'm eating Ramen noodles for the next month or the rest of the summer. Thanks! -bc

Beautiful book 'zukes! Looks real purty in that new case. -bc

(just getting that warmed up ) -bc

Newest addition to the PHM set: Thanks to Thomas in Germany for the awesome packaging job! -bc

(took 2 pictures to get the best lighting and poorly pieced them together) -bc