grapeape

Think that’s odd? Look at these 1998 prices for Sal Buscema when he was a “nobody.” Now that he’s a Too 5 guy forget about it. Although many here on the boards will think these are fair 2020 prices. H8

To your point, here’s a few more. What’s interesting is the art for sale with many dealers didn’t have pics. A serious buyer might get a photocopy or even a picture taken with a camera upon request. I did a deal that took 5 weeks with the back and forth. So you had to rely on a typed description. Then you had to go through comics to find the images. Anyone care for a Kirby FF 5 page 19 ? A no prize for the member that finds an image from FF 5 page 19 and posts it here so we can compare to Conrad’s description.

My heart is full.....

That is a very sincere and kind condolence wish. And also a very nice Marvel tribute. Thanks for sharing this NelsonAl.

I hope so cuz this is really nice. BWS apparently had passion for this project.

That makes me happy.

I wish we could send you back in time just long enough to get that one buddy. Kinda what I was thinking about when posting this thread.

I knew you would dig that groovy Avengers Kirby Hulk.

It occurred to me that might be your page after I posted it. I remember you used to have one from # 37. Bittersweet I’m sure but you’ll just have to try and suck it up with your ASM splash page.

Makes me sad too buddy. I was looking through the 98 ads from Lee and found an ASM Romita cover for $5300. I remember seeing it back then. Fantasizing about buying then I’d look over at my wife and two young kids and come back to reality.

Yep. It depended on who had them. Some sellers valued them more than others.

He tried unloading that on me. I hated that splash still do!!! It just felt like Hulk and Thor were decapitated and had their heads poked on picket signs. Creepy.

Yeah I bought a few things from Tom back in the day. Thanks for the link. I think it’s important to show all the footprints to how we got where we are today. I know it’s easy to look at these prices today and go “you should have bought everything.” Lee I was a family man with two young kids at the time. I had very little disposable income. I always think of John Romita’s great attitude about art value. He never dreamed of values like today. Very few did. It’s really absurd in some ways. It’s also thrilling to see how far we’ve come. Really unbelievable a Brian Bolland Killing Joke page from a 1989 ad on the link you provided $550.

Byrne and Cockrum pages.

Time travel absolutely is possible. Come and join Grapeape on this journey back to October 1998.

Yes! Great examples with actual data. items under 5 K very brisk movers. Ross has to hold the line on his art. That’s the game. Price is established. He (his rep) will protect that price point even if inventory sits. No deals there. Jay Ollie gave great examples of affordable and in my opinion personally desirable art pieces. My man Jay OE has pinpointed the pulse. Many of us admire Alex Ross. 20 K feels like buying a membership into an exclusive country club. As Bob Dylan once sang, “it ain’t me babe.” Yes Marvels....I foolishly let a great Ross Surfer pass around 5 k early 2000 went to $7500 then $20K. Now Marvels has blood, sweat and Ross passion. If anyone finds two pages....that’s one for Jay and one for Grape.

That’s great information. I love solid reasoning applied to our “hobby.” His 2 biggest buyers dropped out? Wow. Most would not know that. That’s why we have buyers remorse. Not enough homework done before buying a piece. Alex Ross has been mentioned. He solidified a solid On average 20 K asking price on his paintings and has held the line for many years. Very good work but 20 K is a car to a lot of us. Sometimes you look at Ross and think, “he’s a great artist, he can paint anything. But, which one of these paintings has blood and guts in it?” I believe he is too prolific and his output makes his work seem abundant. Price point does not match perception. That is his work is not scarce. You have many options and examples that have sat unsold for quite some time. Your best bet is a secondary market. An impromptu eBay auction or a CAF search. I remember when Ross’ best stuff went around or under 5 K. Marvels, etc. Find someone that bought at that price and offer them 10 K. Let’s do our research and homework. First do you love the piece your pursuing? If yes, price is important but it’s not everything. If you’re buying for investment, you better know for example that 1 or 2 guys are driving a particular market. You better buy at a price that leaves room for resale. Much of the griping on the state of our art collecting in terms of pricing is based on decisions made without enough info. leads to dissatisfaction and I believe a false claim of a collapsing market. Our market is in flux, always. Zero sure things where you can buy and sell without caution. The market is viable and has much more run. Individual decision making in many cases is awful. People overpaying or realizing that the detail or quality of their purchased piece is not up to snuff. After the fact !!! In comics there was a time where collectors were buying restored comic books ( disclosed and undisclosed) for more than solid grade untouched comics. Bad decision and CGC had a huge mess to clean up. In our original art world many of us want to consider ourselves experts to some degree. I’m here to tell you GET BETTER EVERYDAY !!!! There are people that have better information then you do. CGC is a great place to start. Many diverse and useful opinions here to help make a decision.

Art from this period or any period, you want to avoid over paying for art. It just takes patience and determining a fair value. That's a tricky one. There are a plethora of 30's-50's art out there. I think it just takes some research. You mentioned you saw a few pieces you admired? Do some online research and see if you see comparable prices or even better flexibility in pricing. You will find ebay auctions and probably want to find one without a fixed price. You might be able to bid and win a nice piece.Set a maximum bid price in your head and adhere to that so you are happy. PM if you need help on a piece you like my friend.

To the right one of my favorite Jones paintings, just a tease of Age of Innocence ( see Rob Pistella CAF ). Henry how did you let some of these go? Just beautiful art work.

I really dig the Todd Nauck Spidey and shucks who wouldn't want a Toddy M in the collection???

I I

Planet of the apes

Where’s Caps feet? The chest enhancements came off nicely. Who’s the plastic surgeon?

Professional special effects artist.