Lukesaurus

A friend bought it of ebay 4 years ago and sold it to me yesterday for a small profit , well below the FMV . That’s all i know . It needs a press and then it’s off to CGC , hoping for a 6.0

14 hours ago, Lazyboy said:

30 years? How much is Bone #1 worth?

Forgot about Bone 1 , for some reason I always thought that was an 80's book . Last 9.8 sold for $5,400 in 2019 . 

What is the most valuable book of the last 30 years ? No variants . Walking dead 1 ? 

Thank you for the response 

So i'm thinking of submitting my first order to CGC .

However I have no idea what value to select for my books and not sure how much it counts in the submission process .

Do I go on ebay to search sold listings ? Or perhaps use overstreet ? 

I tried asking these in the AskCGC section but they were never approved . 

How much was a 0.5 15 years ago ? Anyone remembers ? 

64 are single pages . 

On 4/29/2020 at 4:32 PM, Chicago Boy said:

I wish u had it to post. It came up in my you tube feed last night but can’t find it at the moment. I’m sure I’ll run across it again and will post them. It was made to coincide with the Shazam movie release   Anyone else have some mega key print run info ?  I find this stuff so interesting. Tec 27 so far with the fewest print run from what I can gather.  

If you watched it on youtube you can go the history tab or recently viewed and you should find it there .

 CBCS just launched their census so anyone looking can get a more detailed picture of the total number of graded copies . Or not.

Happened on some Action Comics books , I don't have the links , was doing some late night browsing yesterday . Perhaps they fixed it now . 

A bug I encountered and I didn't see anyone mention it . On some books when I click the zoom button I get a no picture available message even though the pictures are available in smaller resolution . 

@jhm , in the end I chose GoCollect as the price difference did not seem worthwhile . Was wondering if maybe in a future update would it be possible to add graphs for each grade with how the price varied in a select period of time . Really enjoying the service , just wish the other major 3rd party grader would get some more love as I have a few slabs from them .

On ‎6‎/‎11‎/‎2011 at 11:31 PM, Mmehdy said:

“The King of comics had just been ripped off”

 

(I got a lot of flack for paying $1800, so much so that for years when people came up to me, they would joke wretched excess.)

 

When the sale of Action #1 was published worldwide, everyday people from across the nation tried to sell their comic books to the “crazy kid” thinking he would pay $1800 per comic. I received so many letters without my formal address, that the post office would forward any mail that contained the words “Mitchell Mehdy, Carmichael, CA” or “King of Comics, Carmichael, CA” on the front of the mail. Another maneuver that people tried to contact me was through my high school.

 

Little did I know that those letters would send me on incredible journeys all over the country to buy books. One letter that stood out to me in particular did not contain a name or return address on the outside of the letter, but in the inside it simply contained a phone number and a statement: “Comics For Sale”. I called the number and the guy said, “I have a Superman #1 for sale for $1800.” I told him, “Superman #1 is not as valuable as Action #1. I’ll only give you $500 cash for it.” The caller said, “Ok.” At the time I had talked to him on the phone, everything appeared normal by his voice. I should have known that something was “fishy” about the purchase when the caller refused to be meet me at Bob’s Big Boy restaurant in public, but he insisted that we meet at a local gas station instead. This was my second trip that I made in the Southern California region to buy comic books. I arrived on time and waited for him in dark gas station to arrive. The gas station was silent and I noticed a bum standing buy the gas station restroom alone. I had been waiting 20 minutes after our meet time, when the bum standing by the restroom approached me. As the bum came up to me, I speculated that the guy behind full beard and long, dirty hair had done to many acid trips in his lifetime. The guy that resembled a bum owned a beat-up van, and we went to the back of the beat-up van, and the guy brought a small, old, brown leather suitcase out. He positioned the suitcase so that when he opened it I could not see the inside of it clearly. The bum handed me a very good copy of Superman #1. When he handed me the book, I felt that the weight of the book was light, and I told him, “The book is incomplete!” To my amazement, he then handed me another Superman #1, and I glanced at it. The weight of this Superman #1 was good, but when I flipped through the pages, I noticed that a coupon from one of the pages had been cut out. I said, “There is no way I’m paying for $500 for this piece of !” He said, “Alright. Now this is my best copy that I own.” He then pulled out ANOTHER Superman #1 and the grade of this one was a fine/very fine copy. I desperately tried to buy what else had, and he freaked out, and didn’t let me see what else he had. The only book that I purchased from this mysterious seller was the last copy that he showed me of Superman #1. Two months later, when I looked over the book more closely, I found that a coupon had been cut out of this Superman #1 too! The “King of Comics” had been ripped off! I held on to the book for few years, and then sold the Superman #1 copy to a dealer, which was Hal “Nice Guy of Comics” Verb, for $2000.

 

(Even comic fandom came after me for my NBC tomorrow show appearance, forgetting about the great exposure and credibility that it gave it gave the comics)

 

Over the years my journeys would take me to people’s houses, warehouses, and even as far away as a farm in Florida. Buying Action #1 comics never got me in trouble, but buying Superman #1 comics always did. In less than one year’s time, another adventure that was the most bizarre adventure of my lifetime would take place.

 

 

My fellow collectors, we have journeyed into the past to see the “boy” from Sacramento tell the world that it was “super” to collect comic books. The “boy” told his story of how he fought his entire family and his best friends to become the “King of Comics”. We have also journeyed into the present to see the price of comic books exceeding one million dollars apiece. Also, we have seen the Internet bring together serious collectors, such as yourselves, from all over the world, to become “brothers and sisters” in the comic book world.

 

 

I predict that by 2020 a major comic book dealer will team with a criminal international counterfeit ring. The comic book dealer will announce a major discovery of multiple key copies of #1 Gold and Silver comic books. The dealer will send one copy of a real key comic book in for grading to the CGC, and will establish a pedigree. Then, the dealer will sell multiple counterfeit copies of those books to other dealers before the CGC can grade them at a discount. By using this pedigree, this will cause a major worldwide panic in the comic book market, at home and internationally. However, the CGC will devise a way to test the age of a comic book and thus its authenticity, without damaging the comic book. This new test will restore the market to be safer and stronger than the comic book market has ever been before. After this event takes place, the CGC will be required to authenticate all comic books. The dealer associated with this counterfeit will be arrested, convicted, fined, and sent to prison along with all of the multiple criminals that aided the dealer in this dramatic scandal.

 

I predict that in 2020 collectors will look back and say that prices of comic books were really low back in 2011. I also predict that those collectors will also look back with the regret that they should have bought more.

 

I predict that CGC will grade and authenticate all major original comic book art, and will create a public, online data base specifically for comic book art, while including a history of ownership. CGC will place special holographic invisible stamps on the back or front of each piece of art to show authenticity. This invisible stamp, unless special glasses are used, will eliminate the need for any plastic containers to house the art.

 

I predict that a wave of anti-violence will sweep the nation by attacking movies, video games, and comic books because they will be the “root of all evil”. There will be an attempt to ban and limit vintage comic book sales, as well as electronic comic book. As a result of the movement, a comic book rating system will be developed and applied to every comic book, which is very similar to the MPAA. This new system will require age verification and CGC recognition on its holders.

 

I predict that before 2020 there will be a sale of comic book, which will be the first to exceed $5,000,000. I predict that the major comic book buyers of 2020 will be museums, private foundations, and celebrities. In a single comic book auction, hosted by Heritage Auctions, the total sales will exceed $20,000,000.

 

I predict that before 2020 a number of serious international collectors and buyers will come to America in attempt to buy a number of major comic book collections throughout the nation. These international buyers will be offering to purchase them at a major premium over current market prices.

 

I predict that before 2020 a major comic book collection will tour the world’s finest museums, and create a worldwide sensation. This sensation will raise the comic world into the fine art world. The price and demand of premium key issues will dramatically rise after the exhibition.

 

I predict before 2020 that there will be a major shortage of poor condition key comic books due to a number of individuals will buy all of them up. They will sell either the cover or individual pages in attractive custom frames, along with a reproduction copy of the comic book. Upscale art galleries all over the world, comic book dealers, and action houses will sell the pages. The price of a single page from Action comic #1, with Superman in the page, will bring $25,000 at auction and or private sale. This will make headlines in the collecting world.

 

THE FIVE GRAILS OF 2020:

 

 

Upon reading an interesting article in the Hollywood Reporter titled “Hollywood Heist: How a Burglary May Impact the Future of Superman”. The first line of the article stunned me: “The billion dollar battle over who controls the Superman franchise is now in its second decade”. That’s right. Billion of dollars for the rights to a single comic book character is now being issued.

 

The reasons why this book fly’s higher than any other comic book is:

#1- History has concluded that this was the super hero “comic book” that started it all.

#2- Action #1 is greatest comic book ever.

#3- Action #1 is the “standard” which serious collectors use to compare all other comic books.

#4 – Action #1 is very rare in Museum quality condition.

 

If you own this book, do not EVER sell or trade it.

 

Rule: Once you sell your Action #1, it always cost you more money to get it back, and then that’s only if you are able to afford to buy it back at the time you want it back.

 

I would recommend to every serious comic book collector, if they have the resources, to buy any Action #1 in any condition unrestored, even if it’s coverless, but only if its graded by the CGC. If you cannot afford to buy an unrestored copy, then buy a restored copy, with a preference to light repair work on the book. Action #1, in any condition, will give the greatest return for every comic dollar invested in it.

 

Grail Ranking: “Tier 1” Projected 2020 Value Grade 9.0 or above = 10+ million/ Grade 7.5 or above = 5.0+ million/ Grade 5.0 = 3+million/ Grade 2.0 = 1+ million.

 

#2 Grail of 2020:

 

 

Amazing Fantasy #15 as it is clearly the second most valuable book in 2020, as it is very similar to Action #1:

#1 - This comic book started it all that resulted in the creation of the modern superhero.

#2 - The cover and story of AF #15 is one of the greatest comic books ever created.

#3 - AF#15 is very rare in museum quality condition.

 

Every serious collector, even one on a tight budget, can obtain an unrestored copy at a reasonable price. This is going to change in 2020 dramatically. Bob Overstreet’s attempt to put this book in a different age category of silver comics vs. gold comics cannot change history, or stop the value of this book going to the very top in value. In 2020, the age difference between Golden age and Silver age comic books will not be so far distant in time looking back from 2020. Every serious collector should own an unrestored copy with the condition being 2.0+ depending on what they can afford. However, I do not advise to purchase any high grade restored copies of Amazing Fantasy #15, but instead buy it in a lower grade, unrestored.

 

If you own this book and it is unrestored, do not sell or trade unless you upgrade to a better copy, or go from restored to unrestored.

 

Grail ranking: “Tier 1” Projected 2020 value 9.6 or above = 10 million/ 9.4 = 4+ million/ 9.2 = 2+ million.

 

#3 Grail of 2020:

 

 

Detective #27 is clearly third. However, while this book is landmark for the Batman fans, the book did not come out until 1939, which was well after the first publication of Action #1. Pre-robin books are especially great with Detective #31 being my 3rd all time favorite comic book cover. The book would rank higher with that cover on #27. Buy any copy you can afford, even coverless, as all values will rise by 2020. High-grade copies are hard to find because what kid would not buy it and read it many times.

 

Do not buy this book restored, unless it only has minor repair

 

Looking back from 2020, the greatest appreciation will made on lower-grade, unrestored copies as the prices were the lowest.

 

If you own an unrestored copy, do NOT sell of trade this book.

If you can buy an unrestored copy, do it.

 

Grail ranking: “Tier 2” Projected 2020 value Grade 9.0 = 5 +million, Grade 8.5 = 3- million, Grade 7.5 = 2+ million.

 

#4 Grail of 2020: TIE

 

 

Amazing Spiderman #1 is shooting up like a rocket. Looking back from 2020, the book in very high grade will break records every year from 2011. Buy any copy, even fair condition only if unrestored.

 

Warning: do not buy this book if restored, there are too many unrestored copies available. Purchase it in lower grade unrestored until it becomes unobtainable, and then buy the restored copies.

 

Grail Ranking “Tier 2” Projected 2020 value 9.6 or above = 5+ million/ Grade 9.4 = 1.5 million/ Grade 9.2 = 1 million.

 

#4 Grail of 2020: TIE

 

 

Superman #1 contains the expanded origin of superman, and as well as Action comics #1-4. A very popular book and great read. Superman #1 is very rare in super high grade.

 

Warning: There are a very large amount of Superman #1 comic books that have not been reported to the CGC for grading. These issues are in lower grade condition that is below 5.0. Be careful on the price you pay for a 1.5-4.5 unrestored copy, There will be large number copies made public in the future, and will be sold on the market at or near the same time from more than one owner. Buy either a high-grade copy 5.0 or above, if possible. Stay away for any restored issues based on the facts above.

 

Grail ranking: Tier 2 ONLY in high grade. 2020 projected value 9.0 or above = 5 million, 8.5 or above = 2 million, 8.0 or above = 1+ million (Note: subject to change downward due to market conditions and oversupply).

 

#5 Grail of 2020:

 

 

Captain America #1 is both an origin issues, as well his as first appearance. Page for page, this is the best read of any golden age key. The cover is flat out amazing, the art, the story, the feel of this book makes collecting what its all. This book is a buy recommendation both in unrestored and restored in any condition. It’s a masterpiece, which looking back to 2011 was the most underpriced golden age key book. The only reason why this is not ranked higher is the year it came out which was 1941.

 

Grail Ranking: “Tier 3” 2020 projected value grade 9.0 or above = 5+ million, Grade 8.5 or above = 2+ million, Grade 8.0 = 1+ million.

 

For WE believe in" truth" and are proud to show our love, honor, and respect for all comic books and comic art.

 

For WE believe in" justice" in dealing fairly and honestly with our fellow collectors, while the CGC protects our investments and collections.

 

While in the past it was the “American way”, today the whole world and WE believe in the “international way.” Under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all in the comic book world.

 

For we TRUE comic book collectors are KING.

 

Goodbye,

Mitch Mehdy

Some interesting predictions about 2020 from 9 years ago  

thanks for the help , any idea of grade if I I would go after a qualified label ?

forgot to add it 

Here you go . 

Interior and back cover coupons cut ,doesn't affect story . Golden Age book .

Would it be automatically a 0.5 blue label ?

2 hours ago, lou_fine said:

Wasn't Levine quite upset with her in the end because she had apparently just beat him in terms of compiling a complete DC collection?  

Not sure if she has an Double Action 1, but still a woman after my heart with her complete DC collection.    

From when he completed his collection 

Quote

And before I accept her collection as complete, I need to be sure she has both "Narrative Illustration - The History Of The Comics", and "How You Can Defend Your Home", both of which qualify as bone fide M.C.Gaines All American comics, and both of which are true DCs.

On ‎1‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 4:25 PM, Larryw7 said:

Sometimes the reprints were my favorite part of the book. The Batman issues had reprints from Tec 37, Batman 5(one of the very best issues in the entire run), World's Best 1, and Batman 7. What's not to love?

Does anyone know what issues had these golden age Batman reprints ?

I'm from Europe and use a mail forwarding service from the US to get my books . The service has been suspended as of Monday so the chance to get my copy of Batman 89 and buy a new car has passed 

I am a bit sad by the reaction of a few board members here that believe all this is overreacting and it's an attack on their rights . This is serious , you might be fine but people in the next town might not be . 

So please follow the advice and guidelines of the authorities stay safe and try to limit unnecessary travel . I don't want to get into politics but the US response to this threat has been slow .

Anyway these are the thoughts of a person who has 2 more days of quarantine left as I have been in Germany 2 weeks ago . 

Does anyone still have the pictures posted of the collection ? They are no longer available. 

So apparently this will be a variant for the Catwoman 80 years celebration . Preorders on ebay have sold prices between $55-$60 for raw copies . I am not very familiar with modern books but plan to order a copy from The Comic Mint once it goes up for preorder . Do these usually sell out fast ?