EwanUK

Hi all

fantastic thread that I'm still wading through

here's some of mine -

It always seemed to me that the summer months were the quietest at the shows, I expect that things will pick up in the Autumn.

 

I've never been a big fan of the DVD/merchandising/miscellaneous parts of the show but I guess they at least help to keep the show going. Besides Rich and Phil, were there many well known sellers? Does Dave Finn still set up there?

 

 

Yeah, all the usual suspects plus Harley. I forgot to mention, while we were setting up, there were two old guys perving over a Manara hardcover we had, a couple of minutes later they were gone and so was the book. Shoplifting scumbags!

Sorry about that. My dad and his friend insisted on coming...

I have a used Manara hardcover on ebay now

At least if one person was having a good time, it was worth it.

 

Blonde in background looks happy being near a gang of comic fans...

Who's ear-wigging though?

Any one go to the London mart today?

Strangely deserted I thought... the usual suspects of course but there was a lot of empty spaces... and pensive looking dealers

While looking in some boxes, I overheard the new management ( I think) speaking to (I think) Mike Conroy and they were discussing ways of making it a lot bigger... and having a lot more people using it... (they could also have been talking about his donger for all I know as well)

It didn't help that the web-site was a bit ambiguous about it being open today...

I'd says it's now -

20% old comics

30% new comics

25% videos and DVDs

25% toys and cards

Not sure I like all these huge compilations of scans of comics being sold so blatantly...

I managed to pick up £40 of stuff so not too bad but I wonder where it's going to end up...

I then went down the road to the Ephemera (I had to look up how to spell that) fair - crikey the dealers are of a different breed there - very posh - and most of them were at least 100 years old

only comics they had was a few old Beano's and Eagle's

any other thoughts?

Almost 3k for the Miracleman #15 in CGC 9.9 - did a boardie pick it up?

 

Miracleman #15 CGC 9.9

Impressive price - I predicted 2k

You may have seen my no.12 CGC 9.9 reached £500 / $789 a couple of weeks back which I was reasonably pleased with

I'm in the process of selling the rest of the set, both on ebay and privately. All have done pretty well so far (a little more than I bought them for) with exception of no.24 which only hit £130 / $200

Down from $315 when I bought it in Sep 2009

but I guess supply now outstrips demand... unless you have 9.8 sigs or 9.9s...

such is graded comics

I never thought MM's head was detached. Isn't that his body to the left of his head as if he is at an angle? I know his head never becomes detached in the story. Has this always been referred to a a detached head cover?

 

His head isn't detached. Did someone say it is?

It's what CGC used to call the cover of no.15 "detached head cover" of words to that effect

Perhaps they were thinking of Evelyn Cream who's head was indeed detached after his jungle walkies with Miracledog

she looks like she's about to... erm...

 

You have a two year old controlling your remote control and you end up watching

 

Curious George

Handy Manny

Mickey Mouse Club House

Special Agent OSO

Jake and the Neverland Pirates

 

Parenthood.

 

 

My seven year old completely monopolises the TV.

Anything I want to watch is considered "daddy's boring TV"

His favs are:

Match Of The Day, fast forwards through the taking bits

Football News

Sponge Bob

Horrible Histories

Horrid Henry

we went all through the cbeebies stage - which he's now very embarrassed about

he calls my music "80s music" and it's all "dumb"

Interestingly, I tried to get him into comics many times... but he's into football big time... how did that happen? My father was also into football but being a 70s dad had little time for his kids, so I grew up with 2000AD...

My younger son, age 3, is still in the Thomas, Fireman Sam and Pingu stage

he can use my laptop to get episodes from You Tube by himself and has his own little DVD player

I think I'll end up in the shed when they're teenagers

p.s. both boys have enjoyed The Wiggles - we even went to see them in Hammersmith

fatherhood rocks !

Jessica Ennis

just stunning in every sense

Yeah that is a bummer, especially as the guy seemed to give great service and was very ethical in his dealings with people.

 

I would say that to successfully sell new comics, the more ways of getting to potential customers the better. A retail outlet, eBay store, website, attending shows etc rather than just relying on eBay. Also, like most other retail businesses the bigger your customer base, the more you order from your distributor and the better your discount.

 

Hopefully he will be able to sell off the books he's been stuck with and move on.

Surely ebay has 100s of times more reach than the other outlets? Is an ebay store much more profitable? Do you cross-promote on ebay?

At marts, do you actually make a profit? Aren't most buyers wanting 10p comics? Do people ever buy big ticket items?

I don't envy the job of selling current releases.

 

Reading them is bad enough.

Indeed the last modern I bought with any regularity is now a Copper Age title

Anyway, how does the business model work for new comics? what's the margin?

is it like WHS retail of magazines?

 

 

Hi guys, a very small announcement purely in the interests of full disclosure and transparency.

 

As some of you know I have mentioned my lcs, Limited Edition Comix in Stevenage here in the past and sung it's praises. I've been a customer since it opened a couple of years ago and prior to that was a customer of the owner's previous shop in St. Albans.

 

Over the last few months I have been talking to the owner Richard Emms about his plans for the business going forward and the possibility of myself becoming involved in some way. These discussions ranged from me helping out with marketing and business development advice (my area of expertise) down to joining the company in a more formal manner.

 

As of today, I am a shareholder and director of the company. My involvement in the day to day running of the shop will be minimal, but I will be helping with developing the business with a view to eventually becoming one of the leading comic retailers in the UK, both in terms of new comics and back issues.

 

The business is doing very well, but I believe it has great potential to grow in the future. I am excited to be involved in the world of comics retailing, even in this small way.

 

I will of course respect the board rules, and not spam the place up! I just thought I would make my role in the company clear, so as to avoid any conflict of interest etc.

 

Anyway, sorry for the long read, hopefully some of you will drop by our booths at various shows around the UK, which is an area we intend to concentrate on in a big way.

 

Cheers.

 

Phil

Best of luck with the venture - sounds great

I live very close to Stevenage but have never been to your shop, though there used to be one some years ago I think in a similar spot (now a pet shop?)

There also used to be one in Letchworth (dump upstairs and rude owner) and Hitchin (very short lived) - any links?

You do the London marts too?

p.s. Fish & Chips - HAS to be eaten with tea and mushy peas, bread and butter

I'm from Yorkshire, we invented Fish & Chips

Thought you all my like to see a collation of recent MM no.15 9.8 Totleben sig series books... I own the first one

nice aren't they? anyone got any different ones?

Through the power of Google I found that MM 20 9.8 with the McKean sketch. It's pretty sweet. Owner of said book, please deposit it into the nearest mailbox, addressed to: ryanatlas, 696969 Awesome Drive, Bostonarea, MA 99999. Thank you.

?? I own the book - I bought it back in 2009 from Rich (rasmus?) for what then would have been about $500

I don't actually have a picture of it graded - but as you can see from my registry it's the real deal. Pic ungraded to folllow

Here's a bit of Rich's email to me... (he thought it was Bucky at first due to the placement - but all McKean)

Hit me back when you get this...while I am sure this won't matter to you, I

needed to clarify...the head sketch is by DAVE McKEAN, not Mark Buckingham.

I realized that I had a typo in there, and mistakenly indicated that

Buckingham might have done the head sketch. He did not...in fact, getting

Buckingham on the book was sheer dumb luck...I was at the DC booth getting

my FABLES signed by Bill Willingham, with Mark Buckingham just happened to

pop by and I just HAPPENED to have the MM 20 on me. I then went to the

booth in the back of the hall that was hosting Kent Williams and Dave

McKean. I had McKean sign my Hellblazers and then lastly, the MM 20, and

asked him for a sketch. He said he wasn't sure if he remembered what the

character looked like, then whips out that crazy brush pen of his and does

a PERFECT Mike Moran head sketch.

So the reason I bring that up is because there was some confusion on my

paperwork at CGC, then I realized that I had indicated somewhere along the

line (quite by accident) that Buckingham did the sketch.

It's a DAVE McKEAN orig. sketch, buddy.

I'm discussing its sale at present with a UK collector but feel free to make me an offer (it's not listed anywhere yet)

I sent my MM 15 to Rich too but it was merely a 9.2. Why would I do such a thing? Because that book has been in my collection since 1998, bought at an LCS for $5, well before the MM interest picked up any steam. I can't wait for my sketch. 14 years in the making, don'cha know.

Ryan - cool

i did buy the series as an "original owner" too as it was published

of that first set I only have 2 remaining, the no.1 (UK rear cover) that i bought in August 1985 as a 13 year old - and the no.22 in my reg set is a direct sub from my originally bought in comic shop and read copy - still got a 9.8

I knew how to handle comics even in my debauched youth

Death of Kid Miracle is worth 2 Grand.

 

Such a classic issue. Boner's arriving as I think about it.

 

Why did I send my issue to Rich?

 

CGC 9.8 is worth around $350-$400. If you sent it to Rich, then I guess you are looking for a Totleben signature, which pushes the price well over $500 (if it stays at 9.8 s/s). If you went for a sketch, and you got a good one, these have sold for around $1,100, if they held their grade (9.8 s/s & sketch). However, the Totleben prices will come down a little as he has now completed two private signings and will be attending Cincinnati as well this year.

 

As for a #15 CGC 9.9, well it is unique and sits at the top of the census so Ewan's estimate of $2,000 seems about right and his #12 9.9 should make over $500. I might have to sell one of my kidneys.......

Well, I wouldn't want you to go without one of your kidneys... but,...

I'm hoping for a bit more than $500 to be honest but let's see

I'll also be selling my no.15 9.8 Totleben sketch (and it's a very good one) which i bought off Rich last year, plus my no.20 9.8 Dave McKean sketch - also supplied by Rich back in 2009... in fact, the only 2 of mine i'm not selling are my no.1 double-cover and no.23 (my fav)

sorry, I know a bit salesy but I think I've earned the right on this thread

loads more very rare MM stuff you haven't seen to come soon too

it's a stunner alright - has that "perfectness" edge over 9.8s I've seen - a bit like a MM no.12 I know about but can't possibly mention on this section of the boards...

So what do we reckon the no.15 will go for?

My view is a $2,000 book

Do we reckon its been pressed?

WOW…….thanks for the welcome folks

 

Although I’ve been collecting for over 40 years and have approx 12,000 Marvels/DC’s I’ve only just joined this board and just beginning to read up on grading and things like “pressing” etc which I never even contemplated before.

 

Nice to be here and members have been very helpful especially in the PGM threads. (thumbs u

Welcome old bean

Re pressing: I always find it slightly funny that everyone (the Americans) go on (and on and on and on ) about pressing so much.,.. as a child I distinctly recall using piles of heavy old books and annuals to "press" spined-curled copies of 2000AD before i swapped them with other children for the latest Whizzer & Chips.... they came out good as new - what's the difference!!!

Speaking of which, I have a very early memory of comic restoration too - black felt tips and yellow sello-tape... CGC would NOT be able to spot it

Many congratulations Ewan and apologies for my suggestion it was pressed (just saw one less 9.8 and a 9.9 appear; 1+1=3 ). I think that makes you joint top in the set so you just need one more s/s to take the lead back to Albion! Mark Buckingham has been signing quite a few recently and Totleben is also signing again in September so it should be an interesting battle for the set this year but that 9.9 will be unbeatable in the long run.

 

Well done but if you want to sell it for a reasonable sum.... or maybe swap it for something interesting?

Registry - I can't beat Michael now without spending £100s on sig series books - so my solace is that I've been no.1 two years previously (though with vastly inferior sets) it's moved on so much in recent years

I recall when a straight 9.8 set was beyond the realms of possibility as 9.8s of certain numbers didn't exist - no.8 and no.23 if I recall...

Like Olympic records, grading highs will continue to be beaten - well if CGC continue run the Olympics that is....

But again, why is the JJ set obscured?

Looks like a Miracleman #15 has been pressed (or simply re-graded) from a 9.8 into a 9.9 (one less 9.8 in the census and a 9.9 is there now sitting at the top of the pile!!). The lucky submitter is as good as guaranteed to get top of the registry set if they have the rest of them. Maybe it will come up for sale but not many will be able to afford it, including me I suspect. I am now officially jealous!

 

It's my book

 

and it isn't pressed

 

I am absurdly jealous, but congratulations are also in order - did you think it was going to come back a 9.9 when you subbed the book?

erk... sorry everyone, now very embarrassed I was just joking - a bit of British defeatist humour! Michael, you're still no.1 don't worry. Sorry!

A 9.9 no.15 would be amazing and perhaps it is a pressed one?

I think after the flux of sig series 9.8s more 9.9s will begin to surface...

How much do you reckon a 9.9 15 would go for?

ironically I did submit a 15 that I thought would be a 9.9 - as perfect a my 12 but got JUST another worthless 9.8....

Looks like a Miracleman #15 has been pressed (or simply re-graded) from a 9.8 into a 9.9 (one less 9.8 in the census and a 9.9 is there now sitting at the top of the pile!!). The lucky submitter is as good as guaranteed to get top of the registry set if they have the rest of them. Maybe it will come up for sale but not many will be able to afford it, including me I suspect. I am now officially jealous!

It's my book

and it isn't pressed

Holy - if this book belongs to JJ, I'm going to kick him in the nads.

why is JJ's set obscured?

There are certainly an influx of 9.8 sig series books...

Just received a freaking customs charge card for £27.08...

 

I'm 99% sure this relates to a piece of OA that I ordered from the States. I know there have been numerous posts here about correct customs codes for comics, but not sure I've seen OA covered. Is this the kind of thing which I should be paying a customs charge on? Anyone else have any experience of this?

 

Thoughts appreciated...

 

Adam

Happen to me just twice

I bought an Alex Ross OA page - customs charge was £160 !!!!

Another time a CGC book, but the seller described it as a "toy" - cost me £40

He did say sorry...

OK, I've posted this in General, but just in case some of you don't visit before it drops off the page...

 

I gave eBay up almost five years ago, its rising fee structure and total lack of regard for the 'small sellers' - along with its total lack of communication and accountability - telling me I was no longer wanted.

 

One of my major issues has been the lack of control sellers now have. You get the nutters on eBay and they now have a loaded gun in the form of feedback and you've got a target painted on your back.

 

However, in an effort to publicise the business and drive eyes to the Comicana Direct site, I was convinced to start listing some cheap krap on eBay. I did it reluctantly, but could see the business sense, so I started about six weeks ago.

 

I previously sold on eBay for six years and never got a neg. Six weeks back in and I've got my first.

 

Guy wins a piece of cheap rubbish for 19p (around 27 cents) and pays promptly. Book gets sent by Royal Mail 1st class on 22nd June, no insurance. no tracking - hey, he obviously decided to avoid a £2.75 postal charge on a 19p book!

 

Nothing is heard until yesterday when seller claims not to have received the book. When advised it was posted on 22nd, he opens a claim.

 

Fair enough, I think. Upon further thought, I realise that without proof of postage (the receipts you get from the Post Office don't specificy location unless you've used Recorded or Special Delivery), I'm going to lose the case. For the sake of keeping things sweet in exchange for a total of £2.19 (book plus 1st Class postage), I refund immediately.

 

The end of it, you'd think?

 

Oh no, not a bit of it.

 

Within ten minutes of me issuing the refund, he leaves this feedback...

 

'RIP OFF- avoid. Refund given, as seller didn't want to sell item at low price.'

 

I couldn't actually believe it and contacted him immediately, asking him to remove the feedback as he'd not only got all of his money back, but he was also making statements that were wholly untrue and also libelous. I pointed to the rest of my feedback...

 

http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=AllFeedback&userid=comicanadirect&iid=-1&de=off&items=25&interval=0&mPg=222&page=1

 

...where he would see that dozens and dozens of people have won bargain books for 19p and 49p and everyone else had received them and was more than happy. I asked him why I would risk my perfect feedback because a book sold for £1.50 less than it might have done and why I would only do it to him?

 

Ignoring all logic, the buyer wouldn't budge and stated that he would only retract the neg upon receipt of proof of postage...knowing full well that with the service he had paid for, you don't get proof of postage.

 

People, could you do both myself and yourselves a favour and place marvelbronzeagecomics (Simon Clark from Yorkshire, in case he's got another ID) on your blocked bidder list.

 

It might save you some hassle down the road. (thumbs u

 

What a !

 

This is the main reason I do very little on EBay - I would rather get credit from a LCS (if I had one )

I sell a little on ebay, mostly to then fund buying more - but I also (perversely perhaps) enjoy the whole scanning, listing, packing experience - almost living up to my fantasy of being a real-life comic dealer (with all the money, girls and status I'm sure that brings!) but I've had a similar experience recently...

Sold some old Judge Dredd books for about £30

Send buyer email when posted in a couple of days. All is well

Ages later he emails to say "where are they?"

I say I've posted them, I have pop

We exchange emails - and he gets rather unfriendly - contrary to my "look I've got 100% feedback, why would I steal your money???" etc etc

He almost immediately raises a dispute

Within 48 hours ebay TAKE the money from me!

Rang ebay's customer service line - argue the toss for half-hour getting nowhere

ebay is adament I have to send everything tracked

"that would mean I'd never sell low value items" etc

"we have to look after buyers" she said

I mention I happen to know their new Vice President of CS (I do)

Suddenly she offers me a £30 voucher because I'm such a valued customer...

weeks pass

Buyer emails me to say the books have now arrived: they were "lost" at the post office

then PP's me the funds...

So... come out of it all £30 up!

Well, I would've been had the voucher not now VANISHED !!!

i love ebay

and the original Comics Showcase