Nilo2

6.5/7.0 for me. Really nice book!

A 9.8 candidate for sure. Beautiful copy.

3.5 for me too. Presents well. Congrats!

4.5 for me. One of THE Copper Age icons.

Not sure how CGC will treat that back cover corner. Almost looks like a printing defect (ie. gripper tear) but assuming it’s a true missing corner you probably let won’t get higher than 7.0.

8.5 for me. Great looking book.

Wow. You’ve got a beauty there! Only some very light tanning along the spine and slight blunting at the top left corner. But really, that’s being very picky. I’m going to say 8.5. Maybe even 9.0. Thanks for sharing.

2.0 for me

I realize he can’t be literally “forced”. But if he is facing charges, there is more incentive for him to cooperate in exchange for lesser charges (from a prosecutor) or leniency (from a court).

I think the focus should stay on the crime here... As per @mycomicshop, there is only one unfortunate middle man who purchased directly from "geekbay_since_2003". Hopefully that leads authorities directly to Mike DeChellis. Its important for at least two reasons: 1- DeChellis can be forced to tell investigators what he did with the other missing books which could aid in restitution, 2- DeChellis can hopefully face criminal prosecution for what he has done.

At least these books have been found. It is very fortunate that they landed at a reputable dealer like MCS who is cooperating with law enforcement and the rightful owners. We are the fortunate ones who know where our property is. There are so many more who may never get restitution. Sounds like humble cow is a business so hopefully they have insurance or some other type of recourse. As for the investigation, I’m willing to wait a little longer to get my book back if it helps put Mike DeChellis where he belongs.

MCS confirmed to me that they have my book on site in Texas as well as several others that they are holding pending the investigation. I believe that all consignments have to be shipped to their offices but not certain. I also received an email this morning from the detective in Oregon confirming that he was in contact with MCS.

@Point Five, thank you for the background. I stand corrected and it seems like humble cow is likely another victim in this sordid sorry mess. Hopefully the investigating authorities can work with MCS and the consignor to determine how Mike fenced these books and hold him to account for the damage he has caused for so many.

If humble cow is indeed an innocent middle man he/she should have known better. The books must have been "acquired" at ridiculously low prices to justify the flip (grading fees, MCS fees) and still come out with a solid margin. If someone had approached me with a batch of silver and gold grails, including multiple copies of AF15's and offered them at a fraction of market value I'd be very suspicious. It's the old adage: "If somethings too good to be true, it usually is"... I still think if it isn't Mike, it's someone he knows well.

OK. It looks like many of these books were graded together at CGC. The Tec 29 (cert # 4401912002) was graded on 3/22/24. The same day that @Winsomesixsquid's AF15 was graded (cert # 4401912003). My AF15 (cert # 4411098010) was graded on the same day as the other restored AF15 (cert # 4411098012) that "humble cow" is consigning through MCS. Makes it very hard to believe that "Humble Cow" doesn't know the provenance of these books and likely points to many of them being stolen.

Unfortunately, I didn’t check to see who the consignor was on MCS’ site before they removed my book. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same handle though. Either way, “humble cow” has some explaining to due at a bare minimum. @Winsomesixsquid, make sure you copy the detective from the Linn County Sheriff’s office on your communications to MCS. Hopefully you are already in contact but if you need the contact info DM me.

I am so sorry to hear this. At least we both know where our books are... I was corresponding with MCS earlier today and they mentioned that someone else had come forward about other books being stolen. I also cc'd the detective from the Linn County Sheriff's office in Oregon on all of my email correspondence. I haven't heard back form him just yet but MCS has so far been very proactive. Fingers crossed that we both get our books back.

I wondered the same. When I spoke to MCS they didn’t elaborate on who the consignee was, only that they knew who it was. The person I spoke with was also aware of Mike and HR but seemed surprised to hear about the issues with stolen property and HR going out of business. I hope it is Mike (the consignee) because that might make it easer to get the book back. Will keep the group posted on progress.

As one of Mike's many victims, I have an unfortunate update for the group: My book (an AF 15 UK edition) just went up on Ebay as a consignment sale through mycomicshop.com! I reached out this morning to the good folks at mycomicshop / Lonestar Comics. After some explaining, they acted very professionally and ended the listing immediately. A link to the Ebay listing along with an image of my slabed book before I sent it to Mike for tape removal (graded 1.8) is attached below. I have reached out to the Lynn County detective who has been investigating Mike / Hero and the complaints that so many of us filed with police and sheriff's offices as well as the Oregon DOJ. Hopefully I can finally get this book back. Just cant believe this really... Mike kept promising me that my book would be returned. All BS. I really hope Mike DeChellis is made to pay for his crimes. https://www.ebay.com/itm/364957514007

7.0-7.5 after a good C&P

6.5 for that book is really too harsh. I have books in the 7’s that don’t even come close to your copy in terms of eye appeal.

A C&P would certainly help. Not sure if UV light treatment would help with the foxing? I know there are methods for removing foxing, just not sure if any of them would keep you inside a blue label. As is 4.5.

4.0 for me

No surprise here. This one was a beauty from the start. Another excellent result.

The Comic Doctor strikes again! Great result! Congrats (again)...