Mirkinator

On 9/5/2023 at 9:19 PM, Macedoniagreece said:

Free with  purchase 

Spiderman silver issue 9.8 probably copy 

Take with below

On 9/5/2023 at 9:25 PM, Macedoniagreece said:

Spawn 220 homage cover. Very high grade looks flawless 

$41

Take

Daniel Warren Johnson did amazing work in Ultramega. First time I had seen his work and man me a fan for sure. One of my personal favorites and highly recommend if you havent read it yet. 

Certainly made me eye all his covers for this series and will be adding transformers to my box primarily because of him... I was hoping he would do a few interiors for Void Wars too, but grabbing most of his covers while I can.

Excited to see how this plays out.  I have very little experience with previous runs, but Im hoping thats a good thing.

Appreciate the great description, prompt and protected shipping, all while being a great deal! Not the first time either.

Have a great 4th! 

On 5/16/2023 at 11:31 AM, Galen130 said:

War of the Realms #1, Frankie's Comics/Golden Apple exclusive.  This 'virgin' variant was done by Clayton Crain, and is limited to 1000 copies.

CGC 9.6, White Pages.  There are Newton Rings in both sides, in the middle.

This one is a disappointment as well, when a 9.8 sold for $149 recently.  I spent too much, but my loss is your gain.

$45

Take at %20 off

On 6/21/2023 at 3:38 PM, newshane said:

A spine tick isn't necessarily a death knell, especially if it doesn't break color. The problem is with the CGC's consistency over the years, so it's really hard to tell. 

In general, my screening approach over the years has improved a great deal due to trial and (expensive) error. To get good at grading, you really have to be willing to accept the learning curve. If you pay attention, you begin to learn the CGC's expectations. 

The importance of great (not merely good) lighting cannot be overstated. You want to hit the book with as much light as possible. It also helps to use different wavelengths of light. Be sure to use warm and cool lights. Hold the book at various angles. Scan the spine first, then look at the surface before ending with the edges. If you see a few spine tics that don't break color, set them aside for pressing if you don't object to the practice. Don't underestimate the importance of the back cover. The CGC doesn't, and neither should you. Look at the surface of the book for dimples, finger bends, creases, and all the other stuff you don't want. 

Don't ever use cotton gloves. I've had more than one book slide out of my hands while wearing cotton. Make sure to get powder-free latex or nitrile if you insist on gloves. Honestly, and it took me a while to realize this, the best way to grade is with your bare hands. The tactile information provided by your fingers cannot be underestimated. Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with Dawn de-greasing detergent and dry your hands thoroughly. 

I would place my books on top of a lightbox and start hitting them with various kinds of light. Any color breakage at all would result in the book being tossed into the rejection pile. I would then sell those on eBay or here on the boards to recoup some of the cost. 

GET A JELWER'S LOUPE! Magnification is almost as important as great lighting. 

Pre-screening is a must! Will help you learn the curve while saving quite a bit of cash. Let's face it, what are you going to do with a bunch of modern slabs with 7.5-9.0 grades at the top? You can hardly give those away. 

Read all the advice on grading that you can. The Overstreet Guide to Grading Comics is a must-have. The CGC's grading manual, written by Matt Nelson, should become your bible on the topic. It's the most thorough book on the topic that I've ever seen. AMAZING. Just keep in mind that Overstreet and the CGC don't always see eye to eye on everything. 

Participate in the "guess the grade" contests held here on the board, but keep in mind that going by the scan alone is a quick way to lose money. You simply have to personally investigate the book to make a decision. 

My biggest piece of advice to anyone looking to tackle a perfect run like this is: VIGILANCE! I kept my eye open EVERY DAY for years to make this happen. 

1. I would use the registry as a checklist. Every day I would search eBay for missing books. Most people on eBay couldn't tell the difference in "fine" and "near mint" but I was able to hit a homer every now and then. 

2. I hired a few "hit-men" to keep an eye out for me at conventions. They had many connections with dealers, and having many eyes out there looking helped me snag quite a few white whales. These guys would take the risk of sending off the raws. I just had to write a bigger check in return for their services. 

3. I kept up to date with ALL national conventions and the appearances of any artist who worked on Spawn. I also had a small army of facilitators who would help me out. 

4. I'd troll every brick and mortar I would come to. This only netted me a few books, however. Usually a complete waste of time. 

5. I enrolled in one of the many "9.8 subscription services" to stay current with new releases and variants. I worked with two of these services. This was very expensive, but it practically guaranteed success. Spawn being Spawn, however, there were a few SURPRISE variants that slipped through everyone's fingers. Again, absolute vigilance, or should I say "obsessive vigilance" is the key to this, along with a lot of patience and very, very deep pockets. 

I'd say a majority of my books were already slabbed when I bought them. Maybe about 30% of the entire run was self-submitted.

No way I could have done this on my own. The key is to assemble your own task force, as corny as that may sound. I always have half a dozen or so WELL-CONNECTED people helping me look....for a price, of course. 

Also keep in mind that it may come down to the depth of your pockets, especially where auctions are concerned. I will be the first to admit that I overspent like crazy to make this happen. 

Looking back, that was my general approach. If anyone wants more detail, please ask! I love discussions in this thread, so feel welcome to post with any comments or questions! 

 

 

My goodness… What a journey! Only to sell it all in the end eh? Here I thought I was fresh with my ebay saved searches and notifications, heh.

You mentioned you had more fun in the hunt itself, rather then getting these books…  Have you found another run or outlet to fill the need to ‘hunt’? Id imagine this kind of determination isnt easy to just stop. I find my need to collect finds its way to my other hobbies.

Also, GREAT info on grading and in general! Thanks for sharing. Cant wait for some of the higher numbered issues and those crazy rare variants Ill never have 

On 6/6/2023 at 12:41 PM, ft88 said:

Venom 1-6 2016 Eddie Brock Venom 150-154 NM+ NM+ run $30

 

On 6/5/2023 at 2:18 PM, justafan said:

So what did that one end at?

Looks like $35k? Guess it wasnt a record if its hit over 40k three times already… 

On 5/31/2023 at 6:14 AM, ygogolak said:

3 sales over $40k.

Yea, Im clearly out of the loop…  Thats just insane..

How high has this book made it before? $16,000 seems nutz? Suppose I havent check the registry to see how many there are… but thought this was like a $4k book..

Edit: Nm, seems it sold for over $30k previously. Heck.

I liked Eniac.  Tankers was fun. And Monster Kill squad and Odinn’s eye were worth it for me, even if just to see Giorello’s fine art. The only one I was dying to see more of was this “Eave Now” hidden in the back half of the Caligulas Safe - Pizza detective comic.. 
 

I signed up for the first full run. Got a lot of comics books I didnt really want and barely even read.. I think ill be going the same route as valiantman next run. It was only Eniac #1 that was hard/expensive to get when it first came out ($100) on ebay. Now it seems to be very affordable..

Megalith looks awesome, but dont think Im up for buying their entire catalog again for a few books I liked. Or buying 3 special editions and hard backs when I just want to see the series unfold and preorder #1.
Looks like they are funded tho, so suppose will see what spin they decide to do this time. Please no more “invisible” comics…

Thanks Dave! Great communication. Extremely well protected and prompt shipping. All at a great price!

UF4 variant Blue Label hitting $10,250 on CL with 9+ days left… 

On 5/9/2023 at 4:26 PM, Djohnson321 said:

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History 1  Clayton Crain Variant Limited to 1000 Copies

NM

$75

 Per Pm. Thanks.

On 5/13/2023 at 3:20 PM, Djohnson321 said:

Venom 9 (2018) The Spider-Verse Animation Variant Cover, 1st full app. Dylan Brock

NM-

$100

 at %20 off plz

On 4/10/2023 at 7:36 PM, newshane said:

Your handle looks familiar. I think I may have sold you a few of these? 

 

Hah, you are RIGHT! Checked my message history and apparently I have 4 of your books in the #90s range. 
Now ill tell everyone it was once part of the greatest Spawn collection Ive ever seen! 

 

Edit: Wait I bought twice from you… I actually have 4 more and a slab from you (#275)! They were awesome deals too! Ty!

Very impressive! Something to aspire too! I would not have thought this possible… my goodness.

A few years ago I found my old Spawn #8 I got as kid and it kicked off my ‘serious’ collecting (and joining these forums). My first thought was “lets collect the whole run! Cant really be that hard right!?”

Holy cow was I in for a surprise! The “whole run” has now turned into “maybe at least one or two of most # issues..” And at least say I have 1- current. I do still enjoy reading the new ones, so might as well fill in the ranks while I can.

Im in the 160 - 260 range now and it’s killing me. I dont care about every variant, but there are some amazing ones that I just cant seem to live without and even like better the some of the originals.

Anywho, thanks for sharing this amazing collection and the journey to get there!

On 10/17/2021 at 6:50 AM, ft88 said:

Ultimate Fallout 1 2 5 6 and Ultimate Spiderman 200 NM+ lot for $25

On 9/25/2021 at 6:52 PM, ft88 said:

Spawn 141 NM- $110

1st She Spawn cover

Yes I do think 

On 8/25/2021 at 7:06 PM, followtheleader said:

The book has gotten better as it progressed.  I also hate to see it end now.  I'm betting numbers are pretty low from #4 to current.  It lost steam with the public pretty quickly.

Patrick

Yea didnt seem to be super popular. Ill admit I was swayed a bit more by the world building and intrigue, rather then dialog and personal relationships. Felt like Nathan and his brother were the only ones who really carried the story for me until we learned more about the Ghozan. 

And Im already loosing too many series I love this year. This, Ascender, Immortal Hulk, Venom and so many great stories that were way too short - like Nottingham, Ultramega, Eniac and others. I cant say there is much coming to replace these except maybe Saga.

Who knows, maybe Ewing will carry Venom well. But this year feels like Im loosing more good reads then I should be. 

On 8/24/2021 at 8:04 PM, Wolverinex said:

You should read Invincible.  That's his best series.

Ive eyed it several times. And tried watching it on Amazon. It unfortunately did not grab me from the start like this comic did. Will have to check out a TPB or something to see if  ill enjoy it more then the stream.

These new movie details are great news and that jake dude seems he could play the part of nathan really well. End of this Oblivion arc is really good. Sad its going to end soon though

Finished #2 and 3 today. Ill admit that Rick 2k story was pretty fun. Ive only read a few issues and watched a couple episodes of the walking dead, so i had no idea who anyone was. But tone and style was lots of fun. Ottley was looking amazing and story wasnt too slap stick.

Also had an enjoyable pass at some of the other stories. Nice peak into many of these worlds I havent seen yet, but was really hoping for more Ultramega.
 

Still was surprised how well each kept my attention. I was worried it was going to be too many issues in a month for this series for me, but been keeping up nicely 

3 hours ago, BrooksR said:

I guess once the series is finished it’s over, no reprints, no trade paperbacks, no digital. I wonder if the creators care that it will disappear like that. Is bad idea looking to get their properties optioned at all?

Im optimistic its a lead-in for the new comic company they are evolving Bad Idea into.. And more of these stories will be seen again.

It almost feels like they were testing the waters for interest, while doing something different at the same time.  Not having to commit to huge print runs, contracts and hassles. Securing artists for limited runs and throwing a few stories out there.

Now they have shown they can produce and sell quality comics. I wonder if some new rounds of investment are coming and a changing Bad Idea “as we know it.” With this restructuring will come a new, more solid footing to distribute content. 
 

Maybe Eniac Vol.2 will be one of the first runs? Seems dumb to waste this IP and interest. But I of course have no idea how any of this works….

Just finished up the series with #4. Final issue wrapped up the story nicely and overall this was an excellent comic. 

Hope to read more about Eniac someday.

1 hour ago, GeeksAreMyPeeps said:

I think they announced a Whalesville reprint. I assume that they were more prepared for what to expect in regards to orders after Eniac #1, so subsequently stuff hasn't sold out

Oh I thought they specifically said that one was a one and done. But could be old info.