Heavy-ish Metal

Hi everyone! I've put up an eBay auction of the Heavy Metal magazine slipcase collections I listed here: You can find the eBay listing here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/175240291358 Please let me know if you have any questions

Marked more listings as sold, added some of the rare hardcover books

Marked some listings as sold (thank you to buyers!) and added/removed some individual issues. Would love to sell more of these, especially the "full year" slipcases... don't be shy!

I've lowered the prices on the "complete years" from 1980 to 1990

Attention: The cutoff for ordering a lot is end of April 19th (in either NA or Europe) as I'll be in the US and have the full collection with me. After that I'll be returning to the UK and will be selling items individually I am selling my Heavy Metal Magazine collection, complete years 1980 through 2012, including (almost) all specials, rare variants, a rare hardcover, some newer numbered issues, and original branded slipcases for the entire run. General info: Payment by PayPal preferred (North America or Europe) Sale to either North America or Europe is possible, as I travel between both Each slipcase holds 12 issues, or roughly 2 years of issues Nearly all slipcases are in great condition, with 1 or 2 having some of the vinyl scuffed Most of the slipcases have the years contained written on the spine in small print 95% of the issues themselves are in the Very Fine range or better. All issues are at least bagged. The staple-bound issues are also boarded. I'm not a pro grader! I generally have only collected things that clearly fall in the Very Fine (or better) range to make things easier for myself. Please ask for more pictures or specifics on anything you're curious about. One thing I can say for sure: no rips, creases or color breaks aside from slightly bumped corners here and there. Manifest: Full years 1980 complete year w/Slipcase ($160) 1981 complete year w/Slipcase ($220 - SOLD) 1982 complete year w/Slipcase ($160) 1983 complete year w/Slipcase ($120) Some issues in this year with noticeable spine ticks, light handling wear, stress around staples on a couple issues 1984 complete year w/Slipcase ($120) Some issues in this year with noticeable spine ticks, light handling wear 1985 complete year w/Slipcase ($160) 1986-1988 complete years w/Slipcase ($160) 1989-1990 complete years w/Slipcase ($120) 1991-1992 complete years w/Slipcase ($100 - SOLD) 1993-1994 complete years w/Slipcase ($100 - SOLD) 1995-1996 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 1997-1998 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 1999-2000 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 2001-2002 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 2003-2004 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 2005-2006 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 2007-2008 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) 2009-2010 complete years w/Slipcase ($100) Specials Nearly all special issues 1982-2011. Please let me know if you're looking for specific issues or want a custom lot. Notable Includes: Best of Heavy Metal #1 Best of Heavy Metal #2 Even Heavier Metal Son of Heavy Metal Bride of Heavy Metal The Venus Interface One Step Beyond 15 Years of Heavy Metal 20 Years of Heavy Metal Software, Overdrive, Havoc 2000 Summer CD special is sealed w/CD Missing: War Machine, Overload Ultra Rares 2008 September - Fluorescent Black variant cover w/ Nathan Fox artist signature ($50) 2011 September - SDCC DeviantArt Stanley "Artgerm" Lau variant, significant scuffing on rear cover ($250) 2012 May 35th Anniversary - Nicollet variant ($100) Best of Richard Corben hardcover book, limited edition of 5,000 ($100) Heavy Metal Greatest Hits hardcover book ($70) 15 Years of Heavy Metal hardcover book ($70) 20 Years of Heavy Metal hardcover book, signed by Royo ($90) 1999 November - Frank Miller CBLDF variant ($250 - SOLD) 2008 September - Fluorescent Black variant unsigned ($75 - SOLD) 2012 May 35th Anniversary - Tariq Raheem variant ($100 - SOLD) Odds and Ends 1979 October HP Lovecraft special issue ($35) #261 cover B - Diamond Distributors Exclusive variant ($30) #262 cover A ($25) #265 cover B - Jetpack Comics variant ($15) #276 cover B - wraparound variant ($25) #301 cover B - Suneater variant ($35 - SOLD) #295 cover F Ho99o9 variant ($30 - SOLD) #296 OBEY variant ($20 - SOLD) #300 cover A Taarna ($70 - SOLD) #300 Blank variant ($50 - SOLD) #302 cover B variant ($20 - SOLD) #303 cover B variant ($20 - SOLD) #304 cover A ($20 - SOLD) Please feel free to comment or DM me with your wishlist of these items, mix and match, or let me know if you're interested in a large lot.

Is it just me or are Mylites+ discontinued? E. Gerber's site only lists Mylites 2 and 4, and their new non-Mylar line. Call me crazy but I've always preferred Mylites+ for current/standard size, as they're more flexible. I use them for trades and thick one-shots. Also they came in 100 per pack which is a good amount Mylar protection for the money.

I have a small collection of Warren mags (Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella, 1984) that are all in high grade with the exception of the severe yellowing of pages. But additionally, I also really hate how my fingers feel after thumbing through them... the pages feel "dirty" for lack of a better word. Has anyone tried any archival sprays on these? I wonder if those products are only good for holding off the effects of acidification, which has long ago already happened to these magazines. I am not concern about affecting their grading, just want them to stay in good condition and be enjoyable for me to read.

This actually sounds like a great hobby to get into, I could use something new that takes a lot of time and attention and isn't entirely spent at a computer screen. I had an idea to try to make my own slipcases to hold some of my books

I see. Well the books I want to do this to are honestly barely worth $20, so I don't see myself bringing them to a shop (though I certainly would for more valuable books!). I suppose in my case I'm looking for a "good enough" solution that gives me a few hours of something to do and can be done with off-the-shelf products. Maybe it's worth asking on a hobbyist bookbinding forum instead?

James, I am not asking about how to repair a specific book. I am asking a broad question of what techniques are recommended for reinforcing staple areas. I don't mean to be rude (I appreciate you replying at all!) but this is the kind of problem I've seen with this topic over, honestly, the past 15 years of web history as far as I can tell. Someone raises the question, and the discussion devolves into pedantic debates. I was hoping this would be the right forum to ask about the how, and discuss specific techniques. If this isn't the right place then... I honestly don't know where else to ask. You guys probably know more than anyone what kind of reinforcement approaches have been used over the decades, and I'd love to see you all sharing that information here so others can benefit from it. Edit: I've removed the image from my post so it doesn't distract from the conversation

I'm not bothered by whether it's restoration or not, just asking for the most practically useful advice on how to do it This was just one pic of the book I had on hand, I have others where there's more tearing around the staple, cover starting to feel loose, etc. What method would you recommend? What have you seen on restored books that worked well?

Note: This is not a question about grading, label colors, etc. This is just a little DIY project for cheap books that I like but have straining/tearing at the staples. I have some bronze/modern books and magazines that I'd like to keep around for decades to come, but am worried (and annoyed) about the stress on some of the covers around the staples. I've tried doing some googling on the topic of reinforcing the staples and get a lot of (less than helpful or applicable) results, most of which are debates around restoration and how it affects grading. I'd love some straight forward suggestions on how to do the reinforcement myself! My thinking is there are two major options: Archival clear tape. This would entail removing the staples, applying a thin strip of the tape over the holes (both on the cover and on the interior centerfold), then reinserting the staples through the tape. This would, presumably, prevent any more tearing or pulling on the cover as the tape gives the staples something to hold onto. Lineco tape seems to be the most readily available and well reviewed product to use. Glue around/near the staples (?) This is much less clear to me as I know there are many kinds of adhesives and glues, so if this is a better option than tape, some product suggestions would be very appreciated. In my mind I picture a paper restoration glue that gets applied over the staple, forming a "clear coat" that strengthens the area and prevents further tearing, but I have no specific info on this. Something else I can do myself that I haven't considered?? Thank you very much in advance! Hope this serves for a modern jumping on point for discussions on staple reinforcement techniques (and please, no debates around grading!)

Thank you @Taylor G! Yes I did know about 1984/1994 and collected the entire run as it fits in one short box. I'd like to fill another short box with select Creepy and Eerie issues. The ones you mentioned look like a great place to start (though I'll likely pass on the sports ones )

Haha fair points! I wish I could collect them all, but my budget and space just won't allow for it, so I'm trying to identify the issues that would tick the most boxes. I came upon the idea by reading the wiki for Blazing Combat, which I am definitely picking up as it's only 4 issues, after seeing that one of the stories was reprinted in Creepy's war themed issue #89. So it got me thinking I'd like to see what other specials would be up my alley.

Hi all, I'm a huge fan of these specific genres and styles and am looking for issues of Creepy and Eerie that would fit these: Scifi Fantasy Weird War Alternate History Apocalyptic Dystopian I'm a huge Heavy Metal fan (if that wasn't obvious) but like picking up non-HM issues that fit my taste. For example, I know Creepy #89 is a war-themed issue, so I'm definitely picking that up. I'd also consider non-themed issues if they have stand out stories matching the above themes. There are a lot of Creepy/Eerie issues and unfortunately (for me) their covers rarely relate to the content inside so it's hard to spot the right ones! I defer to you all as the Warren experts. Thank you!

Late to the party but finally posting mine. This was Heavy Metal's first ever variant cover and is quite rare. This is my first grading/signing ever and I'm super happy with how it came out for a few reasons: I was expecting an 8.0 or 8.5 grade Frank used silver ink like I asked He did a full signature and not just the initials

I was thinking the same thing, about it being a known, if not common, problem that might have an explanation and solution. For now everything is bagged up in Mylar bags so they won't be bothering me in their current state. I'll be talking to my doctor, maybe doing an allergy test, and also looking into the preservation stuff in case there's an obvious solution beyond chucking these out. A cursory search already turned up special pads you can use to wipe down old books, newspapers, etc. with.

Too true! But I just needed to know if this was at all a known issue, as I'm new to collecting comics this year and have ramped up quite fast. Most of my collection is from the late 80s and 90s, but when I started grabbing older series like the Warren mags and Weird War Tales, I had two incidents of the breathing problems and wanted to check with you guys. Will be talking to my GP for sure! This is a good idea. I've never had this allergy test done, and not even sure I can arrange one right now due to covid, but I'll certainly try.

Thanks for the replies everyone, appreciate all the help and ideas. As far as looking out for mold...I know it can show as foxing on covers, but what about interiors? The issues giving me this problem just seem like the pages are yellowing from age but are otherwise in Fine/VF condition. One thing that I notice when handling these is how rough and "grainy" the pages feel. I know this must just be the old paper texture, but in my head I'm wondering if I'm feeling some kind of grime or build-up from the decades and it's all flying up into my face as I'm flipping through.

I've started to become paranoid of ANY of my comics that smell musty... which is most of them. I suddenly feel unsure about keeping them

This is a GREAT explanation and makes a ton of sense. At first I was like "what are they talking about? I don't have any fiber glass in MY attic...." and then it hit me, I have no idea how these books and mags were stored before I got them. Their pages have yellowed heavily, which is no surprise for newsprint, and I'm sure they could have been kept in an environment where tons of particulates were finding their way to the books. Fiberglass is definitely a possibility, I lived in a room with some of that stuff poking out of the ceiling and it was impossible to get the itchy little pieces out of the room. Well, I'm now fairly sad because I had just completed the run of Warren's 1984/1994 magazine and want to read it. But... I now don't think I should risk having these things up in my face if they leave me gasping for air!

Shot in the dark but anything I can do to treat the books themselves? Was thinking of taking them outside and gently shaking out each page to release any particles stuck in there, wipe gently with a gloved hand. Or let them sit outside to air out. Not sure what the best solution is.

As far as I've seen no skin irritation or itching yet, but maybe it's there and I haven't noticed because I'm so shocked by the breathing issues! Seriously coughing a lot and barely getting enough air for hours after reading.

Hi, got a weird but very troubling problem here and hoping to get some insight. I've started collecting comics/magazines this year and that includes some of the Warren magazine series (Creepy, Vampirella, Eerie), which seem to be printed on pulp paper/newsprint (I'm not a scholar with printing techniques so forgive me for not knowing the technical details). I've procured a bunch of these from eBay and local shops, and have found that after thumbing through them for not even a minute, I start coughing intensely and wheezing. This goes on for hours even after putting the comics away. So what do you think is going on? Could the paper be releasing small particles that I'm breathing in? Mold spores? Dust mites (I'm allergic to these)? I'd also be interested in hearing possible remedies. If nothing works then I'll need to sell these issues off as they're apparently a health hazard for me!

Thanks @joeypost. Any suggestions on what to try for removing? An art eraser? I tried gently using a magic eraser sponge and it did absolutely nothing.