alexanderjk

And the huge success of Always Be My Maybe on Netflix. Asians and Asian Americans will throw a ton of support (and money) at an MCU movie featuring an Asian lead (even an “unknown,” like someone mentioned above...Cedric Bozeman wasn’t exactly a household name before BP, so...)

Oof, dude.

Great post.

And wealthy. Will clear $1B world-wide easily. The MCU’s biggest hits, aside from Avengers-related movies, are Captain Marvel (first female lead) and BP (first black lead). (See also: DCU’s Wonder Woman.) A lot of underestimating in this thread of the power of representation and inclusiveness. Comparing these films to SM and Ant-Man is kinda silly.

I was thrilled with the results. My first three comics after a 30+ year collecting hiatus, and my first three books graded by CGC. Aiming for a 2 and 21 in 9.8, and looking to upgrade the 9.6 to a 9.8 (eventually).

Pretty sure the black Spidey is 2nd print direct. 1st printings are bar code (newsstand) and the webbed Spidey (direct).

Should have held on to that one. This book will continue to climb once production of the film ramps up, and again near its release. Sellers and flippers who are dumping SME 15 are underestimating the cultural significance of the character (ala Black Panther). Predicting that Shang-Chi will be the second-highest grossing MCU film domestically (bumping down Black Panther), and internationally (bumping down IW). And predicting that the 9.0+ graded books will increase by at least a third in value by then.

Count me in.

I’m finally collecting again after a 20+ year hiatus. I’m now in my mid-40s, and while I have a teen son to single-handedly raise, I’m far enough along in my career that I can drop $50 on a high grade key to slab and flip, another $75 to add a raw low-numbered DD to my collection, another $100 to add a 9.8 of a childhood favorite to my collection, and another $1K on an investment purchase. (Achieved all four of those this past month alone.) And regarding the ridiculous prices of some of the aforementioned comics, it’s not unreasonable to think that these super-bidders are millionaire athletes, Silicon Valley execs, and lottery winners. There’s enough of each that collect comics, I’m guessing. Whomever dropped $90K on that book isn’t looking to flip it...they’re keen on adding it to their Rich Guy collection. With so much wealth around, the days of us upper middle class-types scoring a high grade GA, SA, or BA mega key are pretty much over.

GI Joe #155 (due to its low print run).

Thank you! Had to get the 9.6 #1 re-slabbed due Newton Rings, unfortunately, so looks like another few weeks before I get it back again.

But some listings do defy logic. For example a CGC 6.0 GI Joe #21 with an unverified Hama sig that’s been sitting at $299 (a 6.0!) for AGES. That thing will never sell.

Totally agree with you about shipping, and I was relieved that they came to their senses regarding Media vs. Priority. Congrats on the Daredevil collection! Mine is only complete from 161-300, 131 and 158 keys, and a handful of sub-100. (Although I’m debating selling everything except the keys because the thought of needing another 100+ books, including 1-8, is pretty daunting.) Keep an eye on those auctions for 131 and 168. Picked up a high grade raw 131 for $85 that should press to a 9.0, minimum. Good timing and bit of luck, I think.

They finally invoiced me a full week later. No communication. Must have felt bad about the delay because they shipped Priority (versus the original Media) and I got the books in two days. Took a chance on the pics and the inexperienced seller and bid $140 on the 168. Looks like a 9.4, at least, but might post pics in the PGM thread this weekend to get a second opinion.

Have to second this suggestion. Best margaritas in L.A., hands down. (Entire post is fantastic. I hope the OP doesn’t miss it in between the back and forth about LA’s politics.)

Bummed that I won’t be seeing any more comics in your eBay listings. Picked up two beautiful X-Men comics from you a couple of months ago.

If you're staying in L.A., don't even think about heading to Laguna or SB. I live in Orange County (10 miles from Laguna) and the drive to and from LA is a BEAST. (SB is worse because you have to drive through the Valley.) Much closer and still-memorable options: Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice. (Each is markedly different with its own unique culture and vibe, and well worth a visit.) Even Manhattan, Redondo, and Hermosa beaches would be a better idea than Laguna or SB.

Why was there such a massive drop in the book’s value?

Partly nostalgia (hence my buying a high grade Power Pack #1), partly investment (MSE #15), and partly completion of a Daredevil run (a book I picked solely because it was the one comic I had the most issues of when I was purging...I mean, if you're gonna have 150 of the first 300 of issues, you may as well get the remaining 150, right?)

Have bought from dotcomics. They're up front about their low-grade books, so I knew that the 20 Daredevils (four lots of five) I bought would be in the 3.5-5.0 range. Seller was quick to respond to a question about shipping costs. No individual bags and boards, but arrived quickly and somewhat secure. But for how inexpensive the books were, I didn't mind the less-than-bullet-proof packaging.

First ever submissions to CGC. Bought the pair of #1s for $50 total, so totally jazzed about the grades. No pressing. Grader's note on #155 noted a small corner crease, but thrilled with the 9.6. Submitting a #21 next and hoping for another 9.6.

Source?

Not just stores. I did something similar with about 100 blu-rays. Sold about 80 before eBay pulled the plug because apparently, those listing types are only to be used for a single item, like a towel, with variations (like size and color). Although I suppose listing 100 different issues of FF counts as a “single item” with variations. Idk.

I can't imagine the MCU coming anywhere near the SUSTAINED success of the first supercycle (even with the intro. of FF and X-Men), but there will be breakout individual films. Before Endgame, Black Panther -- a B-list property -- was the top-grossing MCU film, and it's still the only solo hero/non-Avengers movie to crack the top five. (Number six? Captain Marvel, another B-lister.) I'm predicting Shang-Chi will surpass BP in worldwide gross, which will keep the MCU, and the next supercycle, chugging successfully along (along with Bronze and Copper back issues sales).