mlovest

Wow, how did all the pedigree books get higher than 9.6 with writing on the covers?

Thank you. My timing is off...

As an update, I picked up the first three Marvel Epic Collection Conan the Barbarian books. They are in original coloring, and they are comic-sized but thicker, of course. Covers issues 1-42 plus materials, like Chamber of Darkness 4, which I own slabbed, but never read. Still looking for a good option for Savage Sword reprints... May seem weird, but I don't like reader copies of comics for reading. They take up too much space. I used to have them for ASM and others, but I needed to clear them out for the room for my collection. V/R, Mike

Thank you for the quick inputs, all! Much appreciated. V/R, Mike

Conan lovers, Is there a good source for reprints of Conan the Barbarian comics, perhaps up to 100 in book format? Also, what about the Savage Sword of Conan? I would love to get something like Marvel Masterworks for these, but I don't think they have been published for some reason. Also, I prefer to stay away from omnibus books as they are so large. Thank you for any hints! V/R, Mike

Although 124 is another good example of a non key that's becoming pricey! V/R, Mike

Well, I still wish I had a couple of those ASM's I sold, but I'm happy I have the collection I do have now. It continues to grow slowly, and I have added lots of lower value but NM copies of various Spider-Man appearances up through the about 1990. I really don't worry much about the swings in comics prices as I'm primarily a collector and not an investor or dealer. My retirement accounts are in great shape, and I sleep very soundly awaiting the day I retire, so I can live off my long-term savings and investing strategy and results. That said, many key ASMs are getting very expensive (in my opinion), and I do not think there are enough collectors and investors to hold these prices. When an asset appreciates in value, especially when it really goes up, there has to be something to keep it high. For collectors, there are only so many NM copies of a favorite comic to chase. My initial point was why an ASM 300 in NM is worth so much more than a 10-times more scarce early ASM in NM? When the prices go up, you can go for lower grades or shift your focus. For investors, higher prices can drive additional demand, at least for some time, like a feeding frenzy. And for investing, going along with the majority often results in being on the wrong side of market corrections. Market corrections are normal as are business cycles. If you aren't prepared for them or diversified, they can really hurt. I will continue to purchase ASM and guest appearances for my collection, but I may sell a few really high-value copies to keep my wife from complaining about what I spend on funny books. My comics collections is not part of my retirement planning, so it's really bonus in the end. V/R, Mike

I guess a 350% return on Amazon compares to a 1,000% return on ASM 129...

Wow, I want you on my research team! Awesome summary. V/R, Mike

The speculation re the ASM speculation (and other books like some Conans, Hulks, etc.) is on my mind for sure. I can't see how the market holds these prices so high. How is an ASM 129 in 9.6 worth over $10K? Really? It was worth 10% of that a couple of years ago. It's not like the quality of Punisher material is bringing in new fans. ASM 300...there are so many high-grade copies, with many more ungraded out there sitting in boxes. How can an ASM 300 in NM be worth substantially more than a 10 times more rare early ASM? And yes, I know value is subjective and based upon demand, but the supply for these later comics is huge. I'm sure there are some of you with many copies of these in NM. Personally, I wish I hadn't sold off many key high-grade ASMs years ago, but I do think there will be a correction coming. When, who knows. Don't get me wrong, I love these ASM comics, but I don't see the prices holding. I will keep buying selectively, hoping ot avoid prices for some books which are likely to drop, in my opinion.

CGC still calls it a tie... V/R, Mike

Note I am NOT including the early issues per my post. They have been crazy! V/R, Mike

Like many of you, I've noticed the skyrocketing prices of some comics. For Amazing Spider-Man, the original series, what issues really seem to be popping outside the usual suspects (I'm not including early keys below 100, 101, 121, 122, 129, 300)? I've noted 135 (2nd Punisher), 194 (1st Black Cat), 238 (1st Hobgoblin), 252 (tied for first black costume), and 361 (1st Carnage) have all really jumped in NM or better condition. I have really nice NM raw copies of all of these, and I'm thinking of getting them graded to see if I'm sitting on a gold mine of sorts. When I did this the firs time, I had ASMs 121, 122, 129, 300 all come by 9.6 or higher. Sold them too early, it appears! Am I missing any key hot ASMs? Also, is there an easy way to use GPA to search for hot trends in titles like ASM? I've had GPA forever, but I'm not sure how to do broader searches than actually going from title to tile, and checking eBay for trends. I also have Comic Collector, but I haven't put it to good use yet... Thank you. V/R, Mike

Purchased two Conan books from Lou. Shipped safe fast and secure. Great to do business with. V/R, Mike

I'll take it per PM. V/R, Mike

I'll take it per PM! V/R, Mike

I lived in the UK for a couple of years as a kid...long time ago. Love the Brits! Sorry for the loss of Prince Philip. V/R, Mike

The Marvel Cover collage is really cool. Did you make that yourself? V/R, Mike

I agree with collecting what you like, but stick to your budget. If you have lots of money to throw around, then have fun. If you have a tight budget and/or a small apartment, then focus on the comics which provide you with the most pleasure and enjoyment. I focus on Spider-Man titles and cover appearances from 60s, 70s, and 80s. I look for comics and magazines, and I do go after runs. I enjoy magazines and fanzines with Spider-Man on the cover as well, like Foom and Comic Reader. These can be difficult in NM, which is what I look for, assuming I can get it within my budget. I used to collect Captain America, Daredevil, Conan, Fantastic Four, and Treasuries, but I narrowed to Spider-Man (which isn't that narrow!). I stopped with ASM at 700. Also, I sold off all of my high-value comics several years ago to get money to help get our family into our current home, as housing is very expensive in the LA area. I am enjoying re-purchasing and finding comics all over again, yet the prices are killer! V/R, Mike

I wonder if there has ever been a hoarding episode with a home filled with comics! I've seen collectibles, but never comics. My wife only allows my stuff to spill out a little bit, so my comic closet is the only unruly area of my collection.

My CIS policy goes much higher than 10%. The details are... d. Shipping Requirements The following Sublimits shown in the Declarations apply to worldwide shipments of Covered Property that require the signature of the recipient: (1) The Class 1 Signature Required Shipment Sublimit applies to shipments by: (a) USPS Registered or Express mail, including USPS and non-USPS postal equivalents; (b) Delivery or courier services such as FedEx, Airborne Express, DHL, TNT, other than United Parcel Service; or (c) Any air freight carrier; or (d) Any armored car service. For FedEx, you need a street address.

Here's where I'm at with this: 1) Cull out dreck and remove low-dollar junk. Sell off unwanted books now to make collection manageable. 2) Get contact info for a trusted dealer for high-dollar books, and provide this info to my family. Find a local LA trusted dealer to handle bulk or collection that's collectible, but not worth shipping off to sell or via eBay, etc. 3) Mark comics with colored dots to indicate values. Mark outside of boxes to indicate contents (using taped on Post-It notes). 4) Update digital details on collection, values, etc. 5) Share the status of my collection, including misc items like prints and statues, and the contact details with my family.

Yes, I have been thinking of cutting down to ASMs 100 below, etc., but not there yet. I am cleaning out the "dreck" to make my collection more manageable. I really like the colored dots idea, and I will do that. Thank you!

Lots of good info above. Also, depends upon how many books you're trying to sell and how quickly you want to move them. If you're trying to take advantage of the high prices, you'll likely want them to move fairly soon, as prices good move lower. If it's 3-4 books, I would try on the boards to see if reputable members are interested. If it's a lot of books, I would try Bob or someone you trust. Bob moved a ton of books for me, but nothing this high in value. What you plan to do with the proceeds makes a difference. If you're looking at money for comics, no issue. But if you're paying down debt, the "return" would be based upon the interest rate you're retiring. If you want to invest the money, consider carefully where you put the money as the market is pretty high, in my opinion. Perhaps that cool new way to buy into high-priced keys...kidding. Good luck with whatever you decide! Nice to have some big books to sell! V/R, Mike