Have a Cigar! MLJ Publishing and Golden Age Archie only! 22 22

[sagii]

[OdinsSecrets]

Zip 2 arrived, I think it lives up to the HA scans

[Point Five]

On 5/24/2023 at 1:30 PM, OdinsSecrets said:

Zip 2 arrived, I think it lives up to the HA scans

Dude, that looks great! 

 

[Point Five]

@sfcityduck's really interesting comments about the early DC/MLJ rivalry in copyrights prompts me to ask:

Is there a comic history book or magazine out there with a thorough history of MLJ/Archie? ...i.e. more than a few casual mentions here and there? It's probably no surprise that I'd be most interested in info on the 1939-1945 years... the backstory behind the founding of the company, and the transition from patriotic superheroes to all-Archie-all-the-time. But I'd consider almost anything.

 

[sagii]

On 6/6/2023 at 4:17 PM, Point Five said:

@sfcityduck's really interesting comments about the early DC/MLJ rivalry in copyrights prompts me to ask:

Is there a comic history book or magazine out there with a thorough history of MLJ/Archie? ...i.e. more than a few casual mentions here and there? It's probably no surprise that I'd be most interested in info on the 1939-1945 years... the backstory behind the founding of the company, and the transition from patriotic superheroes to all-Archie-all-the-time. But I'd consider almost anything.

 

 

[Point Five]

On 6/6/2023 at 10:10 PM, sagii said:

 

So if I’m honest I don’t have any interest in the 1960s-to-present parts of the book… and limited interest in the reprints. Is there actual information about MLJ in the 1930s-1940s section that isn’t found elsewhere?

 

[sagii]

On 6/7/2023 at 6:35 PM, Point Five said:

So if I’m honest I don’t have any interest in the 1960s-to-present parts of the book… and limited interest in the reprints. Is there actual information about MLJ in the 1930s-1940s section that isn’t found elsewhere?

 

Probably (bits and pieces) from articles or fan pages you maybe able to stumble across online and put together to make a whole if your lucky. 

Used to be able to find a really nice one, but can't now. Page/site may not exist anymore.

Edited June 8, 2023 by sagii

[ArchieComicsMan]

@PKJ recently acquired 3 of these Archie Comics display racks from the 1950s? Not sure on the dating. He was very gracious to see that I was able to get one of the 3.

They are metal and very cool. They look great filled up with Archie comics.

if anyone knows/has any information on these, please share. 

[The Black Hand ®]

Those are really cool!

[PKJ]

Thanks again to Derek for picking these up on the way home. Now I will need to improve on my MLJ collection to rotate raws into the racks. Don’t think Hangman 3 fits any of the subject matter listed on the racks.

 

 

[PKJ]

Most of these came from Derek(thanks again) but picked up a few more Archie’s. I was out of town and the stack of shipments may have got my wife’s attention.

[Marty Mann]

[RedGiant]

One year ago (July/August 2022) I decided I was going to try and put together a full Blue Ribbon Comics (MLJ) run.  As many of you know, this can be very difficult, as many have 10 or less copies on the census.  I went to numerous shows, scoured the internet every single day, watched (and bid) on all kinds of auctions, reached out to numerous people numerous times (not quite harassment, but some might say annoying), others reached out to me, etc.  While I have many to thank, this journey was initially inspired by @sagii (who was kind enough to contribute to my run with the #18 Rockford) - when I saw his set I knew I had to go after the full run.  I like to say being a run collector is a disease, I wouldn't wish it upon my enemies - kids, don't be a run collector!  Anyway, it's been a very fun journey, I managed to somehow put together a full run.  In fact, I have almost a full second run, although I plan to sell my undercopies.  This isn't the end of my journey, this is simply a 1 year update - I plan to upgrade copies over time.  If you are reading this and happen to have any copies nicer than mine that you would be willing to sell or trade, please reach out.  For those wondering, the toughest issue for me to find has been #14 - in a year of CONSTANTLY looking, nagging, etc. the best and only copy I've managed to pick up is a remaindered 0.5.  I am a sucker for pedigrees, especially those that aren't the highest graded - of course I'd love highest graded and some Church copies, but frankly, when you are a run collector, unless you have unlimited money (which I don't), you really can't afford to pick up all the highest graded copies.  At this point, I have two pedigrees, #4 (Larson) and #18 (Rockford).  Very thankful to have them and looking forward to finding more upgrades over the next year.

Edited August 1, 2023 by RedGiant

[Spyder!]

On 7/31/2023 at 8:06 PM, RedGiant said:

One year ago (July/August 2022) I decided I was going to try and put together a full Blue Ribbon Comics (MLJ) run.  As many of you know, this can be very difficult, as many have 10 or less copies on the census.  I went to numerous shows, scoured the internet every single day, watched (and bid) on all kinds of auctions, reached out to numerous people numerous times (not quite harassment, but some might say annoying), others reached out to me, etc.  While I have many to thank, this journey was initially inspired by @sagii (who was kind enough to contribute to my run with the #18 Rockford) - when I saw his set I knew I had to go after the full run.  I like to say being a run collector is a disease, I wouldn't wish it upon my enemies - kids, don't be a run collector!  Anyway, it's been a very fun journey, I managed to somehow put together a full run.  In fact, I have almost a full second run, although I plan to sell my undercopies.  This isn't the end of my journey, this is simply a 1 year update - I plan to upgrade copies over time.  If you are reading this and happen to have any copies nicer than mine that you would be willing to sell or trade, please reach out.  For those wondering, the toughest issue for me to find has been #14 - in a year of CONSTANTLY looking, nagging, etc. the best and only copy I've managed to pick up is a remaindered 0.5.  I am a sucker for pedigrees, especially those that aren't the highest graded - of course I'd love highest graded and some Church copies, but frankly, when you are a run collector, unless you have unlimited money (which I don't), you really can't afford to pick up all the highest graded copies.  At this point, I have two pedigrees, #4 (Larson) and #18 (Rockford).  Very thankful to have them and looking forward to finding more upgrades over the next year.

A truly impressive accomplishment!  Congrats my friend. 

[RareHighGrade]

That's a tough run to complete.  

[sagii]

On 7/31/2023 at 11:06 PM, RedGiant said:

One year ago (July/August 2022) I decided I was going to try and put together a full Blue Ribbon Comics (MLJ) run.  As many of you know, this can be very difficult, as many have 10 or less copies on the census.  I went to numerous shows, scoured the internet every single day, watched (and bid) on all kinds of auctions, reached out to numerous people numerous times (not quite harassment, but some might say annoying), others reached out to me, etc.  While I have many to thank, this journey was initially inspired by @sagii (who was kind enough to contribute to my run with the #18 Rockford) - when I saw his set I knew I had to go after the full run.  I like to say being a run collector is a disease, I wouldn't wish it upon my enemies - kids, don't be a run collector!  Anyway, it's been a very fun journey, I managed to somehow put together a full run.  In fact, I have almost a full second run, although I plan to sell my undercopies.  This isn't the end of my journey, this is simply a 1 year update - I plan to upgrade copies over time.  If you are reading this and happen to have any copies nicer than mine that you would be willing to sell or trade, please reach out.  For those wondering, the toughest issue for me to find has been #14 - in a year of CONSTANTLY looking, nagging, etc. the best and only copy I've managed to pick up is a remaindered 0.5.  I am a sucker for pedigrees, especially those that aren't the highest graded - of course I'd love highest graded and some Church copies, but frankly, when you are a run collector, unless you have unlimited money (which I don't), you really can't afford to pick up all the highest graded copies.  At this point, I have two pedigrees, #4 (Larson) and #18 (Rockford).  Very thankful to have them and looking forward to finding more upgrades over the next year.

  

Quite the achievement @RedGiant. Appreciate the nod, and happy to have let that one go to such a great set and big fan of the run! Originally that was a goal, but could never stay focused enough as i became interested in Ace (and later Centaur) and other books that i gave up almost halfway to my goal (i scored 10 out of 22). 

They are some of my favorite golden age books (especially the Sam Cooper Mr. justice covers). On the rare occasion i let an MLJ go, i try to replace it with another MLJ 

Congratulations buddy, beautiful set (and love that there are a mix of grades)!!! 

[RedGiant]

On 7/31/2023 at 8:49 PM, sagii said:

  

Quite the achievement @RedGiant. Appreciate the nod, and happy to have let that one go to such a great set and big fan of the run! Originally that was a goal, but could never stay focused enough as i became interested in Ace (and later Centaur) and other books that i gave up almost halfway to my goal (i scored 10 out of 22). 

They are some of my favorite golden age books (especially the Sam Cooper Mr. justice covers). On the rare occasion i let an MLJ go, i try to replace it with another MLJ 

Congratulations buddy, beautiful set (and love that there are a mix of grades)!!! 

 

On 7/31/2023 at 8:28 PM, RareHighGrade said:

That's a tough run to complete.  

 

On 7/31/2023 at 8:23 PM, Spyder! said:

A truly impressive accomplishment!  Congrats my friend. 

Thank you all. 

Corey, 10 out of 22 is nothing to sneeze at.  While #21 is my personal favorite (and VERY challenging to find), I love them all, and the Sam Cooper Mr. Justice covers are definitely up there.  

[gino2paulus2]

@RedGiant what you were able to accomplish in just 1 year is nothing short of miraculous!!!! Love the pic of them all!!

[Prince Namor]

On 7/31/2023 at 11:06 PM, RedGiant said:

One year ago (July/August 2022) I decided I was going to try and put together a full Blue Ribbon Comics (MLJ) run.  As many of you know, this can be very difficult, as many have 10 or less copies on the census.  I went to numerous shows, scoured the internet every single day, watched (and bid) on all kinds of auctions, reached out to numerous people numerous times (not quite harassment, but some might say annoying), others reached out to me, etc.  While I have many to thank, this journey was initially inspired by @sagii (who was kind enough to contribute to my run with the #18 Rockford) - when I saw his set I knew I had to go after the full run.  I like to say being a run collector is a disease, I wouldn't wish it upon my enemies - kids, don't be a run collector!  Anyway, it's been a very fun journey, I managed to somehow put together a full run.  In fact, I have almost a full second run, although I plan to sell my undercopies.  This isn't the end of my journey, this is simply a 1 year update - I plan to upgrade copies over time.  If you are reading this and happen to have any copies nicer than mine that you would be willing to sell or trade, please reach out.  For those wondering, the toughest issue for me to find has been #14 - in a year of CONSTANTLY looking, nagging, etc. the best and only copy I've managed to pick up is a remaindered 0.5.  I am a sucker for pedigrees, especially those that aren't the highest graded - of course I'd love highest graded and some Church copies, but frankly, when you are a run collector, unless you have unlimited money (which I don't), you really can't afford to pick up all the highest graded copies.  At this point, I have two pedigrees, #4 (Larson) and #18 (Rockford).  Very thankful to have them and looking forward to finding more upgrades over the next year.

That is awesome!

[PKJ]

A couple Heritage shipments included some Archie’s.