First to the 1st, On the 1st, a Discussion of CGC Census Graded Firsts!

[SW3D]

Well, there have been journals aplenty authored by collectors espousing their CGC firsts. This journal is going to be no different! And it's open to feedback to all collectors who currently own an OAK and who purchased said OAK in raw form, had it graded, and knowingly or unknowingly, contributed the first ever graded copy of its kind to the CGC census (with signature or sans signatures, variant covers accepted). And being that it is the first day of 2014, what better way to celebrate the New Year than by reminiscing about CGC firsts and OAKs.

 

So I invite you to share with us your stories about some of your proudest first moments; splurge on us with some background on the comic (key comments if applicable), how you came to purchase or own it raw, what eventual grade it achieved, and its One-of-A-Kind status today (if it still applies or not).

Here's a list of mine:

 

Spawn 9 (1st Appearance of Angela/Newsstand Variant). This was my first OAK ever! I submitted it last year at NYComicCon and it achieved its grade in February 2013, a month or so before the news of Marvel's acquisition of Angela. Direct Editions of this comic were already graded, but no Newsstand Editions had been graded until my submission; getting back the distinction of "Variant Copy" was just pure dumb luck. I bought this particular copy along with a few Direct Editions from an LCS in Forest Hills, Queens, NY called Modesty Comics... but not because it was Angela's 1st Appearance, not because it was a Variant (I was utterly clueless that the Newsstand Edition was different), but because I thought it had an ironic piece of history surrounding it: the litigious battle between Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane over Angela, Medieval Spawn, and Cogliostro's creator rights. If Angela didn't make the move to Marvel, no one would give two for this comic, after-all, Angela had been declared dead by Todd McFarlane for over 13 years in Spawn 100. And although the magic spell for Angela has temporarily worn-off, if comic's history is any indication, Angela's star will be on the rise soon enough. Currently a total of 9 Newsstand Editions have been graded: 4 9.8's, 4 9.6's, and 1 9.4. My copy is no longer an OAK, but for a few dizzying months during Angela's popularity craze, it was sitting all on its lonesome on a throne in a private Kingdom. Read the original journal: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=13176

 

Captain America: Transformation & Triumph No. 1 (Promotional Comic/Free with the purchase of the June 6, 2013 edition of the Wall Street Journal). This was an impromptu purchase made more challenging since: (1) no prior announcement was made of this promotional/free comic that I was aware of; (2) I had to scramble late in the evening to obtain copies from CVS and at a Newsstand; (3) I had to keep them from getting damaged by reckless cashiers, and lastly; (4) from getting soaked wet due to a torrential downpour. What's interesting to note about this comic: I believe it takes place in the Marvel Movie Universe or the Ultimates judging by the costumes worn by Captain America (cover art makes him look like actor Chris Evans) and Nick Fury (cameo appearance). There is a flashback segment to Steve Rogers origin as Captain America. I actually got 4 copies graded in total: 2 9.8's and 2 9.6's. To date, these 4 remain the only graded copies. It all happened here: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14330

 

Curse of the Spawn 9. I graded 6 in total and 5 came back 9.8 and 1 a 9.6. I found the raw copies from various LCS's in New York City. After falling head-over-heels for Angela, I began a hunt for her back issues from Image. This one is a gem since it is Angela's origin story where it is revealed she is the amalgam of six females souls who lived tragic lives. It also introduced a mysterious and haunting character named Durges, who seems to have a manipulating and diabolical hand in the life and creation of Angela.... where it is revealed in flashbacks, each female witnessed the face of Durges as the last vision before passing unto death. Relive all the fun: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14323 Update: One lucky devil has added a graded copy to the Census, a fabled yellow label bestowed a 9.8. If the owner of said comic is reading this, I would be greatly interested in buying your copy. Congrats by the way!

 

Dark Dominion 7 (1st JG Jones Pro Work). This is the first copy to reach the census, given a respectable 9.4, with a Yellow Label signed by artist extraordinaire JG Jones at Wizard World NYC June 2013. Its main significance being the first pro comics work of JG Jones best known for the outstanding covers for Y The Last Man, Wanted, and the entire 52 series. I originally bought the comic raw from Lone Star/MyComicShop. Happily, as of today, it remains the only sole graded copy of its kind! Walk down memory lane: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14410

 

Rant 1 (1st JG Jones Writing Credit). Another raw purchased from Lone Star/MyComicShop, is my copy of Rant 1. JG Jones, as previously mentioned, is known primarily as a celebrated cover artist, however, this comic is unique in that JG Jones co-scripted/co-wrote this comic. When I met the artist at Wizard World NY (June 2013), JG Jones reflected that this was to be his first published work, but delays set it back and it was eventually published after his Dark Dominion stint. Happily, Rant came back graded a magnificent 9.6 and bears Jones' inscription. A quick review of the CGC Census reveals it is still an OAK! Another chance to read it: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14466

 

Superman Special Number 1, by Walter Simonson (The Death of Superman?) The jury is still out on this one, but if you read the ambiguous ending, it is not a stretch of the imagination to at least consider the possibility Superman was killed by the Sand Superman and replaced by him. For this reason alone, the comic is shrouded in controversy and is a must-have for Superman fans and collectors alike. The comic is not very old, about 21 years, yet it is hard-to-find, especially a Newsstand Edition. Before I submitted my original owner newsstand copy for grading, I consulted the CGC Census and discovered none had been graded. And I find that shocking seen it is written and drawn by the very popular Walter Simonson. To date, I own the only graded copy, a 9.2 with White Pages, with the added distinction of triple signatures provided by Geof Darrow and Michael Golden (both artists have pin-up illustrations featured in a bonus art gallery), and the man himself, Walter Simonson. Judge for yourself: http://comics.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=14931

 

And yet another joins the group: Aria Blanc & Noir #1 Dynamic Forces Edition. Although not the first to get graded, it is the first to have that magical yellow label, as Jay Anacleto's inscription graces this HTF variant copy. According to Dynamic Forces, only 5,000 copies exist. I got this gem through... you guessed it... Lone Star/MyComicShop.

 

For some reason, I get a kick out of being the first to get a particular comic graded. In the early days of the CGC, I'm sure this was quite common, "The Order of the Day", where early submissions were commonly the "first" graded, but after nearly 14 years of the CGC being in business, OAKs are becoming a rarer event. Granted, there remain tons of titles from all eras (from Golden Age to the Modern Age) that are missing issues yet to be graded, and signatures to be added, and potentially other distinctions, but as time marches on, most current OAKs will more than likely be joined by others in the Census. As an example, I think of the owner of ACA Comix No. 1, graded 8.0. He/She must have thought, "it's going to be a long time before another pop-up's in the Census". But sure enough I was lucky to find a copy, graded 8.5, which now sits atop the Census. But how long before another joins the two?

 

OAKs are fleeting moments in history, like World Records waiting to be broken. But one thing that can never be taken from them is that they made it here first!... cherish that moment while it lasts!

 

Happy New Year!

 

SW3D

 

See more journals by screenwriter3d

[B-Smooth]

I was the first person with a 9.8 of the Hulk 377 3rd print. It stood for a while, too.

[bagofleas]

I have experienced this joy a number of times.

 

Sometimes it's copies that I purchased already graded. Sometimes it's raw copies that I submitted. But whichever way it is, you just get a thrill from knowing that you have the ONLY graded copy of that particular issue!

 

Ever since I coined the term "OAK" here on the boards over five years ago, I have seen others take it on and use it commonly in their own terminology when referring to One of A Kind items.

 

It can mean the single highest graded copy or the single highest SS copy or, like being referred to in this journal, the ONLY graded copy.

 

An example of a purchased copy is when I bought a graded copy of First Comics Graphic Novel #2 years ago in 9.8 WP for an unheard of $1.67, and it still stands today, like four years later, as the only graded copy on existence. Of course, there is no set for me to input it into, so for now I can't show it off in a set. I may request that soon.

 

But all of my Starlogs are in this category once I get them graded or signed or both! I have a few of them done already and many more to follow as I wait for good signing opportunities to show themselves. I have like 50 or so copies that I would love to get graded at some point, and every single one will be the first of its kind when I do!

 

So yeah, I agree with you on this. It really is neat when you can show off something that you know for a fact no one else has.

 

I hope everyone had a great 2013, and that you have an even better 2014. Happy New Years everyone!!

 

 

[Marty Mann]

I believe this thread might apply to my 6.5 Variant Edition of

"PETER PENNY And His MAGIC DOLLAR".

 

 

mm

[mzhammer]

Every time you mention Angela, it makes me want a copy of that 1st appearance. I'm still working on all the variants for GOTG #5... Getting closer...

[Brandon Shepherd]

I can't really participate in this one as I have no OAKs that I submitted myself, but I must say this is an awesome thread.

[SW3D]

Gotta admit, that cover is very cool! I never realized Peter David wrote the Hulk. Now I may fish for his issues and maybe get his signature if he appears at NYComicCon. Thanks for sharing.

 

SW3D

 

 

[SW3D]

"Sometimes it's copies that I purchased already graded. Sometimes it's raw copies that I submitted. But whichever way it is, you just get a thrill from knowing that you have the ONLY graded copy of that particular issue!"

 

So very true! The thrill of the hunt and then that feeling of supremacy as you get to book back and check the census... rub your eyes once, twice, thrice... and then leap for joy! You're #1!

 

"An example of a purchased copy is when I bought a graded copy of First Comics Graphic Novel #2 years ago in 9.8 WP for an unheard of $1.67, and it still stands today, like four years later, as the only graded copy on existence. Of course, there is no set for me to input it into, so for now I can't show it off in a set. I may request that soon."

 

So very cool! Could you share a pic of CGN2? The only First Comics Graphic Novel I own is CGN4, a reprint of Nexus B&W Magazine Issues 1-3 originally published by Capital. I was heavily into Nexus when I bought this one. I've been trying to track down the original B&W magazines in high grade, but they are so very difficult. See the link to the Graphic Novel I speak of: http://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=756921

 

It's amazing that your set of Starlogs may be the only collection that is considered an OAK. That's incredible!... an entire collection comprised of OAKs!

 

SW3D

 

 

[SW3D]

Well... you can break the rules my friend. Share with us an OAK you have regardless of how it came to your hands. I would love to see.

 

SW3D

[SW3D]

I like the artwork... Classic! Who did it?

 

I've seen lots of comics, but I've never seen this one before. How did you come to own it?

 

And does Peter trade the bill for 100 pennies?

 

Imagine if they had a sequel called "Penny Pincher and his Moth Eaten Dollar?"

 

SW3D

[SW3D]

Hey... if you're interested, I got the Midtown Comics Variant of GOTG 5, signed by Mark Brooks and Sara Pichelli. I got 4 9.8's yellow labeled with white pages. I am planning to put some up for sale on eBay soon. Are you interested in a copy? PM if so.

 

Just curious which GOTG 5 variants do you currently own?

 

Very cool set btw. Once you completed, you need to write a journal specifically about it. I would love to read and see what you got.

 

Actually... I'm quite jealous. Angela's my gurl!

 

SW3D

[Brandon Shepherd]

Well... you can break the rules my friend. Share with us an OAK you have regardless of how it came to your hands. I would love to see.

 

SW3D

 

I can break some rules, a? Alright!

 

I have the first Action Comics #800 to make it to 9.8. My copy is still the lone 9.8, and there are 19 in 9.6. I'm surprised there are so many in 9.6, I wonder if there is some manufacturing characteristic that makes it difficult to get a 9.8. I'm sure there will be other 9.8s eventually. I wanted a 9.8 for the longest time, I got mine a few years ago on World Wide Comics. Interestingly enough, I got it the same night I got my copy of Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #34. The Indy #34 was the only 9.8 as well only copy graded at the time. I purchaed the Indy book first, then checked the site a few hours later and saw the 800. I said to myself, what a night, but it's killing my wallet!

 

Anyway, the Indy #34 recently had a few new 9.8 additions, ending its reign on top. My Action #800 is also a newsstand variant, so it is the first of its kind in both grade and variant. You never know when the good stuff will appear.

 

[SW3D]

That's a pretty cool cover! It's a homage to the first issue of Action with a different POV. I don't know why, but the guy on the bottom left reminds me a little of Steve Jobs.

 

It's amazing that this is the sole 9.8. There's a total of 34 graded (which is a pretty low number to begin with especially an historic Anniversary issue), and this is the one and only sitting on the top. Congrats!

 

You know I love Newsstand Variants. It reminds me of the days when I first bought comic books, from the newsstands. They're not easy to get in high grade, but when you do manage to find one, you feel blessed that this little miracle came to you... all minty mint when they could have been abused. Newsstand Editions will remain my favorites... even though I love LCS's, there's just so much fun finding a newsstand and combing it for comics.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

SW3D

[vane]

I just posted this in my DC digest thread but here it is again.

 

I'm very excited when I got this back from cgc. First ever 9.8.

 

 

 

 

[Marty Mann]

I like the artwork... Classic! Who did it?

 

I've seen lots of comics, but I've never seen this one before. How did you come to own it?

 

And does Peter trade the bill for 100 pennies?

 

Imagine if they had a sequel called "Penny Pincher and his Moth Eaten Dollar?"

 

SW3D

 

Artist unknown.

I picked it up free in 1947 at the Georgia Railroad Bank and Trust Company

in Augusta, GA.

 

mm

[SW3D]

I remember seeing the gorgeous adds for Kubert's Tarzan in the Treasury-Sized editions. I was always tempted to buy them but never did since Tarzan wasn't a "superhero". I regret making that decision. Kubert is a God! He's gotta be DC's equivalent to Marvel's Kirby. Just amazing! Very nice OAK!

 

Russ Manning is another brilliant artist! I don't see his name mentioned much on the boards. Are there any Magnus, Robot Fighter collectors out there?

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

SW3D

[SW3D]

Free comics! What is there not to love about that?

 

Congrats!

 

"All of my Golden Age comics were purchased during the period of 1942 to 1954. The majority of the "PARK AVENUE COLLECTION" were

acquired in Newark, NJ from 1942 to 1947. There was one special store on Bloomfield Avenue and many were purchased at the Union

News Stand, Newark Train Station. The rest of the books, from

1947 thru 1954, were purchased at a variety of stores in Scranton, PA, again including the Train Station, which was always a great place to find unusual titles. I miss the Union News Stands and I miss the DELL FOUR-COLOR rack at W.T. Grants."

 

This is just utterly fascinating to me... embedded in deep nostalgia that I could never know. May I impose on you, a detailed journal about the "Park Avenue Collection"? I am so curious what it entails. Maybe you could provide a pic or two. Sorry to ask... if you're not okay with writing a journal, I totally understand. But I know there are so many others on the boards that would find this equally fascinating!

 

SW3D

[kaholo1256]

Being a X-Force fan means I have a bunch of these to look forward to much like Tnerb and bagofleas. Anyways my highlights

 

Only #66 CGC 9.8

 

Only #67 CGC 9.8

 

Only #99 CGC 9.8SS to exist.

 

Only #100 CGC Liefeld 9.8 or 9.8SS to exist

[SW3D]

All these covers are neat but I really love the brooding and frightening cover to X-Force 99. I just noticed the Wolf in the background. That one has an almost metaphysical quality to it! Bill S has such a distinct style that is so unique it is like a fingerprint which can't be duplicated. I see you also got Stan The Man Lee's sig on it. Very Nice! I realize after selling my Thor 165 I no longer have a Stan Lee sig. I need to get one soon and hold on to it. SL turned 91 this year... so I wonder when he plans to retire from it all.

 

BTW: Congrats on having the #1 X-Factor set. Do you have any new additions to the collection coming in 2014?

 

I'm secretly building a set (nothing X-factor or X-related so don't sweat it) but I won't reveal said collection until it is all said and complete. I don't care if it takes years to build, but like Tnerb and Bag O' Fleas, I want yellow labels throughout if I can get them. Muh ha ha ha ha ha!

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

SW3D

[Marty Mann]

 

This is just utterly fascinating to me... embedded in deep nostalgia that I could never know. May I impose on you, a detailed journal about the "Park Avenue Collection"? I am so curious what it entails. Maybe you could provide a pic or two. Sorry to ask... if you're not okay with writing a journal, I totally understand. But I know there are so many others on the boards that would find this equally fascinating!

 

SW3D

 

Thank you for your interest in my collection.

It contains about 800 comics dating from 1942 through 1954 that were purchased at

newsstands and Dime Stores in various cities like Newark, NJ, Augusta, GA, Philadelphia,

PA and Scranton, PA. They were packed away from 1954 until the early 1970's when my

sons became interested in Comic Books...that's when they were unpacked, put in bags

and again packed away. Now with Grandchildren, they are seeing the light of day once more.

I have posted a lot of the covers on the GOLD COMICS FORUM in "THE TOP TWO IN MY

COLLECTION" thread.

Again, thanks for the interest and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

mm