Rick2you2

I wouldn’t worry about Thursday. I expect the air to be slowly let out of the price bag (prices tend to be sticky downward). Nothing is likely to be visible in a month or so, but in 6 months, and looking backward in particular, yes. The question then becomes how dealers with high priced inventory will respond.

The elements are now in place for a bit of hot air to come out of the collectibles market, including OA. Retail sales are down 1.3 percent in May, but dining and drinking out is up 1.5%. Elsewhere, traffic at airports is estimated at 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Housing prices are at an all time high, but available homes for sale, particularly below $500,000 are at an all time low, inhibiting large purchase items. A few months ago, it was reported that there were now more real estate agents then there were homes for sale. Gas prices are up, and used car prices are, too, with new car sales being artificially held down due to a lack of chips needed in their manufacture. Other data paints a consistent picture. Apparel, for example, is up, because people need new clothes to go out. So, what does all that mean? People can now spend on services, instead of big-ticket goods items (and for housing, left little choice in the matter). And they are. That should carry over to OA, where a choice between a family vacation and collectibles exists again, thereby cutting into demand. This is now a good time to think really carefully about the price on that nifty page of OA, because it may be sitting in inventory a long time if it has seen any price resets over the past year.

I mostly agree. The only saving grace is the clever panel layout. Over 26k, whuu.

True, but I think he is looking for advice how to prioritize.

First, I would look at why I wanted them. Do they both fill the same hole in my collection, different holes, or do I just like them both? Second, what is my budget like? Can I afford triple-market on either of them? (My estimate of a reserve I may need). Third, are they rare? Finally, how much do I really like them? If the goal is to fill a hole in the collection, or if I really want something, I “borrow” from a different account, if need be, and buy it, almost no matter what. If my interest is to just accumulate a piece I like, and am not blown away by Saturday’s offering, I go for Thursday. If they both fill holes, and are rare, I go for both. You only live once. Ask Batman Fan. As I recall, he’s down to his right nut after his last purchase. Just wanted to add that the ones that drive you crazy, years later, are the ones you didn’t win.

Was it drinkable?

Sounds like he already had a deal in hand, maybe a bigger package than the one piece, and he didn’t want to queer things by offering it to you.

And gone, too.

That’s a good tip. They should also hold 11 x 17 pieces in a Mylar sleeve.

That’s my general take on his stuff, as well, although he was always respectful towards me. I remember an Adams cover he had been trying to move for about 3-4 years without success for 13k. Market was probably around 10k, and it wasn’t that interesting a cover. He wouldn’t budge on price. Guess which dealer-brothers have it now? My guess is Heritage in 2 years where it will go for 15k, and somehow be considered a success.

I just wanted to mention that I bought my first piece of Phantom Stranger art in 1980. Still buying (after a hiatus due to marriage/kids/bills related thereto).

A beautiful cover from Ms. Tree Quarterly that I had been following (and almost bid on), by Randy Duburke on eBay for $1,505, ending May 19, 2021. No one bid on it. Now, on eBay for a mere $2,500 from rdgaleria. And here I thought that the rules of supply and demand meant that fewer interested buyers would lead to lower prices. Oh wait, this is comic art.

Exactly. Which is why I don’t bother.

Some people like sesame seeds on their buns, some don’t. Personally, I just eat the salads. There is more to life than watching dealers hawk wares that aren’t true pricing fights unless they lead to a lower price for viewers. Let’s see if they have the brass to run a Dutch auction on pieces. I doubt it. That, I would watch.

Nice catch. I've been trying to find one from that issue with the Phantom Stranger on it (a few lesser ones have come up that I passed on). It's almost like a continuation of the plot from the Phantom Stranger's second series run. Tanghal's work is really solid. He also does great commission work.

I was thinking more along the lines of “Those We’re the Days”.

Greed, and an assumption that some buyers are stupid. Considering what more than a few pieces have commanded, that assumption has a basis in fact. Let me add that I think a goodly amount of the "creme-de-la-creme" is more like low fat cottage cheese, and even that may be somewhat generous.

It isn’t just the nostalgia for the comic, but the piece, as well. I have acquired some things in which the process itself justifies keeping them. Like your first acquired “trophy” bra or panties from a woman long gone.

To me, pieces are not just art, but a memory of an event. So, if the piece stirs memories, no amount of money is worth selling. But, if a piece no longer generates any memories, fondness or otherwise, it's okay to let it go.

Good point. They are tailor-made for dealers looking to expand inventory, or specialists in artists to follow, and have too much free time on their hands. When I redid my office several years ago, Bankruptcy auctions of furniture stores were a great benefit. Same principal.

I agree that there seems to be an excess of supply for higher priced material, but advertising does stimulate demand, and “claim” shows can juice prices by adding a sense of immediacy. On the other hand, why be bothered with some of the “old masters” when newer art can be excellent at a much lower price? Maybe too many suckers have been suckered enough.

Did you suggest shilling? Oh my no, it never happens, not in this hobby.

Wives are replaceable; original art is not.

I suspect that the evidence of their sale would be very similar to the ending of many Phantom Stranger stories— just vanish without a trace (CoD). And so would a lot of Heritage sales.