Math Teacher

See, this is the kind of input I'm looking for. I know I'm in the minority, but I never really cared for the Silver Surfer issues. I know #1 and #4 have classic covers, but again, I'm just not a fan of the series. Joe

I do have this issue, but it's not in very good shape! Joe

I know this post may sound like bragging, but, please believe me, that is not my intent. I am very proud of my collection. I have full runs of Amazing Spider-Man (#1 - #700, but missing #13), Fantastic Four (#1 - #650ish), and Daredevil (#1 - #550ish). I also have the following Marvel Keys: Amazing Fantasy #15, Avengers #1 and #4, Incredible Hulk #181, Journey into Mystery #83, Rawhide Kid #17, Sgt Fury #1, Strange Tales #101, #110, and #115, Tales of Suspense #39, Tales to Astonish #27 and #35, Two-Gun Kid #60, and X-Men #1. In addition, I have the following DC keys: The Atom #1, The Brave and the Bold #28, #34, #54, and #57, Green Lantern #1 (SA), Hawkman #1, Justice League of America #1, Metal Men #1 (at least it's a key to me), and Showcase #6, #17, #22, #34, #37, and #55. Here are some books currently on my want list: Amazing Spider-Man #10 (upgrade), #13, and #15 (upgrade), Black Knight (Atlas) #3 - #5, Brave and the Bold #29, Challengers of the Unknown #1, Flash #123, Giant-Size X-Men #1, Incredible Hulk #1, Justice League of America #21 - #22, Mystery in Space #53, Showcase #23, #24, and #27, Strange Tales Annual #2, Tales of Suspense #52 and #57, Tales to Astonish #44, and X-Men #4. I am currently working to conclude a deal for Journey into Mystery #85. For Marvel, I know I am missing Avengers #57. Any suggestions of other Marvel keys I am missing (mostly interested in Silver Age)? For DC, I know I am missing Action #242 and #252, Adventure #247, Detective Comics #359, Flash #105 (in fact, there are a lot of SA keys in the Flash run), Showcase #4 (the same could be said about the Flash Showcase issues). Any suggestions of other DC keys I am missing (again, mostly interested in Silver Age)? This list will probably be longer, because I'm more of a Marvel guy than a DC guy. As I mentioned before, please don't interpret this as an attempt to brag. I'm sure that are many members that have collections that would dwarf my collection. Please help me fill in any missing blanks. Thanks for your time and consideration! Joe Ankenbauer

I'd post pictures of my 0.5 AF #15 and my 3.0 ASM #1, but they are currently residing in a safe deposit box! Joe

Unless there's something wrong with the back, that is one fine 4.0! Joe

If I get sketches done in my hardcover sketch book, I asked for it to be personalized. If I get a cover commission, I ask the artist to sign it but not personalize it. For example, I got Jerry Ordway to do a recreation of JLA #4 (first Green Arrow). He drew it in his style, and he signed Jerry Ordway after Anderson. Joe

I'm sure some collectors do, but if you're selling, it's probably best that you inform the buyer that the book has been pressed. I sent some books to @joeypost and I received some higher grades than I would have gotten without pressing. As for restored comics, it depends on the person and it depends on the type of restoration. Quite frankly, I don't understand how a book that is worth $1000 with a blue label is suddenly worth $200-$250 with a "small amount of color touch on cover." Yes, most collectors want blue labels. I purchased a Showcase #6 with a PLOD (small amount of color touch on cover), and I'm still happy with it. Showcase #6 was a hard book to find (at least for me it was), and I was happy to get a restored copy rather than not having a copy at all. Of course, YMMV. Joe

Nobody else has an opinion on this? Help a brother out! I know some of you think that, "Why should we help this guy? He never posts a grade." All too true - but I try to contribute in other ways. Thanks! Joe

Nobody else has an opinion on this? Help a brother out! I know some of you think that, "Why should we help this guy? He never posts a grade." All too true - but I try to contribute in other ways. Thanks! Joe

Does this mean CBCS has gone out of business? They're still soliciting on-site grading at the Dallas Fandays in mid-October. Joe

Here's a copy of The Black Knight #2 (Atlas) I got from a fellow boardie. There seems to be staple pulls on both staples; however, book is attached to the staples.At least these pictures turned out better than my pictures from The Black Knight #1. I would really appreciate hearing your opinion. Thanks! Joe

Here's a copy of The Black Knight #1 (Atlas) I got from a fellow boardie. There is some waviness to the cover that can be seen in the upper right-hand of the cover. And, of course, there's the stain on the back cover. I apologize for some of the photos - I just seem to have trouble with a few photos each time. The last picture shows the stain 3-4 pages into the book from the back cover. If I understand everyone's terminology, this book will present well because all the major problems are on the back. I am definitely sending this to @joeypost so he can press out the waviness. I would really appreciate hearing your opinion. Thanks! Joe

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for this? This is the last Marvel key I need, but I will need one in this condition so I can afford it. Feel free to say, "It's none of your business!" Joe

I have to be honest - that ToS #40 looks out of place. Joe

I'm of a different opinion. I would guess anywhere from 1.5 to 1.8 (maybe 2.0 if you catch a grader on a good day). Joe

This book has other problems that a press will not fix. There are numerous color-breaking creases on the front, there is at least piece missing from the spine, and many of the corners are blunted. I would not pay a pressing fee, a fee from Neal Adams, and a CGC grading fee on this book. If I were you, I would take your 8.0 to a convention where Neal Adams will be. Trust me; these are not hard to find. Get it signed and witnessed with a significantly better book. Yes, you run the risk of getting a slightly lower grade, but the witnessed Neal Adams signature may balance this out. Keep in mind that I am not a comic book dealer, nor do I play one on TV. Joe

Do you have any verification that these are file copies? If I buy one and grade it, I'd like it to say "FILE COPY" on the slab. Joe

These are definitely some NICE books! Joe

I absolute LOVE this cover! Joe

Detective Comics #239 from January, 1957

I especially like the one on the right. Better signature placement. Joe

Agreed. Did Marvel ever do any of these type of covers? Joe

I'm obviously naive, but how can a buyer scam you by paying with PayPal? Joe

Many of us are aware of the numerous wash tone covers published by DC over the years. Most often, these appeared on DC war comics, but occasionally, they appeared on a super-hero cover. Here's an example of a wash tone cover, Green Lantern #8. This type of cover has lead me to a few questions. 1) If I understand correctly, these covers were published using only pencil art. Is this correct? 2) Who thought of this? Does anyone know the reasoning behind publishing this type of cover? 3) Does anyone know what the first wash tone cover? 4) Did Marvel ever do a wash tone cover during the Golden, Silver, or Bronze age? Thanks for any information you can provide. Joe

Does anyone actually think that this book will ever see the light of day? I've emailed Matt Nelson multiple times, and I always get a response such as "We're still working on it" or "It's a work still in progress". Joe