metropoliscomics

Mitch,

It has become apparent that instead of contacting me via telephone to discuss this situation professionally, you preferred to act hastily without the facts and make false public statements on multiple forums and send out emails to all of your clients accusing my company of wrongdoings. It didn’t have to get to this point and could have easily been explained over a phone call as I did absolutely nothing wrong.

I never offered any of this art for sale. I categorically deny it. That is a lie. Yesterday, I was asked my opinion about pricing on some Frank Miller art by my client Frank Miller, who was offered the art in a list format with pricing by Lynn Varney, who was legally obligated to offer him the art. After doing my own research I called a collector who knows the Miller market very well. I made it clear nothing was for sale, I was doing research and wanted his opinion. I never offered him a piece of art for him to buy. In fact, the collector I spoke with, who later contacted you, made it abundantly clear to you that that was the case. At no time did I say I was buying the art, offering to sell the art or anything of that nature. I was doing market research on your pricing for the person Lynn offered the art to. To do research, I do not need your or Lynn’s permission.

You have defamed me publicly over something that could have been resolved by you picking up the phone and calling me. I take my reputation very seriously. I have worked for over 30 years to establish my good standing in the comic book and art community. I will not tolerate it being besmirched by you. Now that you know the facts I would kindly ask for a full retraction of your false accusations. If one is not made I will contact my legal counsel.

All the best to you and Lynn in selling the amazing art that Frank created. It is truly beautiful. His creations are one of a kind.

Sincerely,

Vincent Zurzolo

COO

Metropolis Collectibles, Inc.

ComicConnect.com

MetropolisGallerynyc.com

I'd guess about 5,000 worldwide at least. Some/many of the copies in the CGC census can be re-submits or cracked out so I think this is the case. For every CGC graded copy I think there there are 2 raw out there. Think of all the low grade copies people haven't graded.

Vincent

Last post was in Jan ? Not good,

 

Great books Mr. Boot, as usual, hope my Centaur pals will appreciated this lil bad girl

 

It was sad to see it go.

This copy of Whiz #2 (#1) is fresh to the market and not a re-subbed/upgraded copy that had been previously CGC graded. It is also file copy.

This whole thread is a lesson in the value of marketing. The attempt to understand and analyze the talent of one artist vs. another artist is moot.

Clearly it boils down to the marketing and packaging of Lichtenstein vs. any given comic book artist from the same period. No comparison. in the 60's, Lichtenstein was marketed to a very influential crowd while Kirby served a demographic comprised of kids and young adults.

I knew Lichtenstein and sold him comic books on a few occasions. He was no better artist than a Ditko or Romita. But at the end of the day, it does not really matter.

Stephen

In 1986, I sold comic books to Roy Lichtenstein.

 

There is a reason some of us go out of our way to post information concerning sellers/buyers people should avoid. When such detailed information is provided by multiple persons one would think the message would be heard. Sadly, that continues not to be the case with Jortner.

 

Let me be perfectly clear to EVERYONE who ever reads this thread.

 

Greg Jortner should not be trusted. Anyone who decides to do business with Mr. Jortner after reading this thread or hearing information on his MANY past transgressions is either (1) an insufficiently_thoughtful_person;

(2) overwhelmed by pure greed; or (3) a combination of both.

 

I strongly recommend you AVOID Mr. Jortner. Continuing to do business with him merely enables him to cause harm and grief to others. In essence, you will be facilitating further fraudulent and destructive behavior within our community.

 

Don't.

In fact, because of Mr. Zaid's interactions and dealings with Mr. Jortner, I feel that Mr. Zaid should be avoided as well. Who knows what Mr. Zaid has been infected with? As far as I am concerned, Mr. Zaid has been tainted. Mr. Zaid may be a very nice guy, but he is far too risky to be around.

S

great to hear- thanks! Part II will be up tonight!

Thanks for your feedback Mark. I really appreciate your kind words about CZ and its value.

I don't believe he is still a fugutive or ever really was. I am sure anybody with a decent Private Investigator could find him if they wanted. As for the portfolios, the portfolios are brand new, the reprints of the propoganda books are new, the newsletters in the 1st 20 are original (I think) and the rest are reprints. Plus all the stories are included for everybody and are new. The art in the 1st 20 are original. Like I said earlier I read through all this stuff and it is great and anybody who loves comic history should buy it and read it. I do believe the others will be less expensive, so if you don't care about the art and photos of Jay as a kid just hang tight and bid on the other ones. By the way part II is coming your way tomorrow night and after speaking with Jay yesterday he has agreed to do a few more interviews.

V

Site is www.comiczoneradio.com. I believe you can easily downlaod the show onto your Itunes and fast forward through it as well as fast forward through it on the CZR site itself.

I am glad you are all enjoying it- just wait til the 2nd part is up this Wed! It is going to be killer.

V

Vinny,

 

Tremendous interview with Jay. I mean just riveting stuff. The Brad Savage story was redunkulous... how did you end up not assaulting him?

 

Maybe because hes like 6ft 5in and 250lbs?

who is Brad Savage ???

According to Vinnie he is a F-ing A-hole.

Never met him myself, but after listening to the story he sure sounds like a F-ing A-hole!

 

I could never understand why he turned his back on my stuff... that one never made sense. I specifically asked him to watch my stuff, he said yes and then I get back upstairs and he has his back to my table and my books are gone. Although I never accused him of taking anything from me (I still don't believe he had anything to do with it) I remember him making it a point of calling me a week later to let me know he didn't like the idea that it was going around that he was involved... didn't call to see how I was doing... not to see how he could help try to find them and no apology... never an apology. When I am wrong about something or screw up I apologize...

 

I really wish I never brought up his name on the air and lost my cool. We should really all just focus on the Jay stuff- that is the important part of this show.

Vinny,

 

Tremendous interview with Jay. I mean just riveting stuff. The Brad Savage story was redunkulous... how did you end up not assaulting him?

 

Just fascinating. I mean really and truly fascinating.

When it happened I was in shock. If it happened today it would be a very different story. Glad you are all enjoying the show. Lots more coming with Part II!

So are you hinting that maybe Vinny played the role of Robert Downey Jr. in his version of Natural Born Comic killers?

 

I see a movie happening baby!

 

Vinny, Call my agent!

Have your people call my people and we'll do lunch baby!

V

Vince, did you discuss his purchase of the Fawcett materials, particularly the trial exhibits and ashcans?

 

Or how about the Catechetical Guild books?

 

And isn't he a fugitive?

We touched on the Fawcetts, ashcans and Catechetical Guild books. But to get the real scoop you will have to listen to it yourself!

V

Thanks for letting me know... not sure if you got to it yet but sorry for the part where I start ranting....

V

Anybody listen yet?

V

Guys-

When I started doing the CZ there were two guests I wanted- Ditko and Jay Maybruck. I don't think I will ever get Ditko (if you have his # please PM it to me) but I finally got Jay on the show. For those of you who do not know about Sparkle City Comics they were the biggest dealers in the late 70s to early 90s. Much of what we experience today in the comic market can be attributed to Sparkle in some way. The interview consists about Jay's early days and what eventually led to his downfall. It is a tale of comic dealing, love, drugs, hookers and betrayal. The interview is almost 2 1/2 hours and it is worth listening to every second of it. You will learn a lot about comic history and how 1 man's wrong decision led to life-long regret.

http://www.comiczoneradio.com/

You should also check out the ebay lot with the Sparkle City Memorabilia Set. It is really cool and will help a good cause.

BZ,

Could also please post a map of Afganistan showing exactly where Osama is hiding. That would be appreciated.

S

No one has posted possibly the best cover ever?!? My crappy copy (of 123)will have to do...

 

What no showcases either? This crappy copy will have to do until its replaced. Its the best I can do and my only silver flash.

Where's esquire's copy when you need it.

 

I love this copy. So bad, it is good.

S

Stephen I just emailed Frank with another offer. What is guide for this book?

What is this "guide" you are talking about?

S

I have a questions for you guys. I was looking at that pretty MMC #32 on Metro's site. Who is the cover artist? I don't think it's Schromburg, but who? Cool cover and a nice looking copy I thought. I'm kinda of scared to even call and ask what the price would be. Do you think it would go for over $3000? That's a book I don't see very often. VF/NM?

 

Already offered Metro $3,000 but they were looking for more.

A very tough issue to find in high grade. Book looks amazing in person.

Here is a very cool Lou Fine Flame cover from little Lamont's collection

 

Gorgeous copy and eye popping... literally!

WOW! Isn't this issue the 1st app. of Big Foot?

As rare as Wow #1 and #4 clearly are, yet another example of a previously unknown collection having copies. At least one of the issues (can't remember which) is a Gerber "10" I believe, probably not any longer given I think I've seen at least 4-5 of these issues in just the last year.

 

You're thinking of Wow #2 Mark.

I don't know of 4-5 of them turning up this past year, but there was a complete set recently which is pretty mind-boggling.

The only copy of #2 I ever owned is now safe in the Jon Berk collection.

 

Great stuff BZ! It's always a treat to see your new photos

I've seen 3 Wow #2s: Jon Berk's, the Lost Valley copy, and the copy in the set sold last year by Al Stoltz.

I have a Wow #2 in my collection. A fine copy.

S