Rick2you2

Agreed. If you like cheap entertainment, go to a bankruptcy auction for higher end furniture, or rugs—the stuff they couldn’t sell at their 65% mark-up at retail. A good auctioneer trying desperately to get bids is fun. Also, a good way to get nice stuff for the office or home. I ended up with more Persian/oriental rugs than I can almost count.

Likely do better in the long run than Bayer.

I like the bunny—for about $1500 tops.

No. The art itself was not stolen, so the buyer would have "good title". But the money the embezzler made, as well as the value of the money originally stolen, may be a fruit of the theft and reachable either as part of the penalty in a criminal action or in a private action.

Did we pass?

Someone really worked hard for you. Would it be impolite to ask what you paid for it?

Depends who used it and if the barf could be authenticated. Collectibles are a tough market.

At one convention about two years ago, Neal Adams said he would sign a shoe for $20. Clearly, underpriced.

Actually, I love finding one of a kind pieces by an artist who has never drawn the Phantom Stranger and likely won't do so again--or maybe, shouldn't. That's why I just bought a splash by Cully Hammer from "Day of Judgment Secret Files". He looks like the Green Hornet with a hole in his chest. I would also love to get a Scribblenauts version, but I hear it's just digital.

The bag may improve the value.

He could still come back, just like in the comic books.

One reason people have a lot of so-so art is you have to develop a sense of both preference and taste. What you like now, you may not like in the future—and vice-versa. I have a fair pile of B and C level art (as well as some nice pieces). But, the lower “quality” ones still make me happy. A lot of purchases are nostalgia driven, so just go out and enjoy.

What about EC prices? They have not gone up commensurate with some of the Big Two’s stuff, even though they aren’t cheap. Different generation, and I suggest it’s a generational thing. I was originally going to add the Spirit, but that’s an unusual case because so much of it survived with Eisner.

They will probably do what happens in other markets. The price hits a point, but then, people stop buying it. The price sits there because the Owners figure one day, people will change their minds. But, they don’t. They gather dust like piles of old Beanie Babies that once had huge premium prices on them. Smart owners slowly and quietly then sell what they can for what they can get. No, they will not be worthless, just not worth the offered price.

For those of you who spend gobs of money on old classic art pages—consider this an inadvertent warning about their future value. This is probably the way future buyers may feel about those treasures you have, and may not be interested in spending the kind of money you did on that “old MTV new wave video” you found and treasure.

As a general rule, I don’t get prelim’s due to my lack of interest. But, I actually like Doug Sneyd’s prelim’s better than the finals. They are supposed to be gag cartoons, and I think his excellent artwork detracts from the jokes, by calling attention to the art. By way of example, Peanuts would not be nearly as good if the gang looked like real kids.

I actually applaud that approach. If you love somethng, price doesn't matter. Think about how much a blushing bride eventually costs a groom.

I would agree. My "grail" would be one of six covers from the Phantom Stranger First Series in 1951-1952. I doubt any of them exist anymore, but they were terrific. I particularly like the first one and the roller coaster covers.

About Dr. Strange--only in retrospect. At the time you bought them, I bet they were worth it to you.

Probably 8 published for every unpublished one. Although I also have a few pages intended for publication which never made it and some prelim's I don't count. To answer this question: There are three reasons for me. First, there are artists who I specifically want to draw a Phantom Stranger image which otherwise would not exist. Second, I can't find one for sale, but I can find the artist. Third, I want a specific scene or variation which isn't in the market, like two characters sharing a beer at a bar, or Amy Reeder sketching my girlfriend, that sort of thing. But no, I would not ask the regular artist on a Batman book, for example, to draw a Batman.

If memory serves me, "turn over" wasn't the story I remember. I believe it wasn't all sweetness and light. He wasn't all that unhappy it eventually failed when he wasn't on it.

My other half won't go to comic shows or comic art shows anymore. Last time I went to one in NJ, w/o her, I saw Howard Chaykin. They have met and he thought she was a wise woman to skip 'em. At least she doesn't complain when I go (much). I think she's understanding because she figures I could be doing a lot worse.

I think it’s important, but not that good.

You got me a little worried, there.

Now, I am thinking it will hit $7.5-$8 million. I originally thought it would be over $5,000,000. Scary what this will do to his market.