jjonahjameson11

Back in 2014 (wow, has it really been that long ago?) I started a thread entitled "What makes a 'classic' cover & who decides?" mainly because there was some very questionable covers that recently received the 'classic' cover designation while more worthy candidates had not. After several posts with keen board members, I decided to contact Overstreet editor Mark Huseman to get the lowdown on their decision making process. Needless to say, the response left me wanting, and I thought I'd share again with current boardies to discuss. Without further ado, here is the email exchange between myself and Mark. Howdy, folks; I've received permission to post my email exchange with Overstreet Price Guide editor Mark Huseman. Mark has asked for feedback from this Forum regarding thoughts on 'classic cover' designations. Here's the exchange: Hi, Mark: By way of introduction, my name is Yoram Matzkin and I've been following the Overstreet Comic Price Guide for nearly 30 years. In this year's edition, I noticed some recent 'classic cover' designations for Amazing Spider-Man 301 & 316, and Avengers 89 and was hoping you could provide some details regarding how these covers were identified as 'classic' over other covers such as Amazing Spider-Man # 50 or #100 or Hulk 340? 1. Is there a guideline or set of criteria in place to define and determine what makes a 'classic' cover? 2. Is there a nominations team or panel that identifies covers for consideration? If so, How many books are nominated per year? How many people on the panel (and who are they?) 3. In particular, is there a specific number of nominations based on era: Golden Age, Atomic Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, Copper Age? 4. I also noticed Amazing Spiderman 229 & 230 are now listed as a classic story and I have the same questions (see 1-3 above) about this Looking forward to hearing from you, -Yoram Matzkin Hi Yoram, Thanks for your longtime support of the Guide. Designation of "classic" covers follows no specific criteria, and there's no Council of Elders who meet in secret to vote. Various advisors or readers will make suggestions, and Bob Overstreet and the Gemstone staff will give it some thought. Personally, I consider a classic cover to be memorable and one that will be copied or swiped or "homaged" in later years. Incredible Hulk #340 and Amazing Spider-Man #50 fit that criteria, but those, they're so obviously classic that no designation is needed. It goes without saying. In the case of a "classic story", I think of those Batman stories that ended up being adapted for an animated episode. Others may highlight the best work of a creator or creative team. "What makes a cover Classic" would be an interesting article for a future Overstreet Guide. Best, Mark

Updated all pics now. thanks, all!

HI, all: for the next several weeks, Heritage will have a page or two of my Mark Bagley Venom pages for sale. Sometimes the pages feature Eddie Brock and supporting cast, and other times they will feature Venom in action. This week's page features Venom in battle vs Kraven & Shriek. The auction ends Wednesday, May 16, and here's a direct link to the page at auction: Mark Bagley and John Dell Venom #158 Story Page 14 Original Art | Lot #48009 | Heritage Auctions (ha.com) and here's a pic of the page...

hiya, folks! I've re-loaded the X-men books and the images seem to be viewable now. I'll start working on the Spidey images shortly. Thanks for your patience

Thanks, all. I'll try to figure this out and fix it tonight, after 7PM Eastern.

That's all, folks. Thanks for looking, and I hope to hear from you soon

Giant Size Spider-Man #1 - Signed by Romita Sr and Thomas. Price = $350

Amazing Spiderman 239 CGC Sig Series, Canadian Price Variant - signed by John Romita Sr, John Romita Jr, Milgrom and Shooter. This is a 9.4 book in a 9.2 holder. Price = $500

Amazing Spiderman 200 - signed by Romita Sr, Thomas, Wolfman, and Shooter. FYI, Romita Sr does not sign any longer! Price = $450

Amazing Spiderman 194 cgc 9.0 - signed by Wolfman, Milgrom and Shooter. Very nice looking 9.2 copy in a 9.0 holder. Price = $1,250

Amazing Spiderman 194 cgc 6.5 signed by Wolfman, Milgrom and Shooter. Price = $850

That's it for X-Men. Will be listing Spidey's momentarily.

Giant Size Xmen #2 - Signed by Roy Thomas. Best looking 8.5 I've seen. Price = $200

X-Men 58 - signed by Roy Thomas. 1st Havok. Price = $1,000

X-men 57 - signed by Roy Thomas. Very tightly graded 7.0. You will be pleased with this one! Price = $225

X-men 55 - signed by Roy Thomas. Another sweet looking 9.2. Price = $400

X-men 28 - 1st appearance of Banshee. Signed by Roy Thomas. One of the best 9.2's you'll ever see. Price = $1,250

Title says it all. I'll be posting several Silver & Bronze Age books in various grades, with one or more sigs. The sale begins Sunday evening, Mar 13. RULES 1. No HOS's or Probies 2. Time payments - are fine, if arranged in advance. My last sales thread accommodated several deals with time payments for 6 months and 12 months on books over $1K 3. Shipping - with item tracking to Canada and the US is $25 for the 1st two books. Insurance is an additional $2 per $100 value. I ship on Wednesdays and Saturdays 4. Shipping care - all books are sandwiched between cardboard, enclosed in bubble wrap, and packaged in a sturdy box 5. Payment - Cheque, Money Order, EFT or Wire. Other payment options can be discussed 6. Who gets it - 1st trumps any and all ongoing negotiations 7. Return Policy - No return on slabbed books

What can HA waive, other than the seller’s fee?

Cheesy photocovers - so bad, they're good.

There's also numerous Tarot photo covers. Here's a decent one...

Swimsuit issues, 'natch