Untapped Potential posted by bagofleas

[CSJournals-migration]

Or, what remains to be seen?

...................................

 

Darkness...

 

"There was darkness for more years than I can remember. Once, I was new and pristine; out in the world and available. I had the power to enthrall and the ability to help people lose themselves in a world of wonder."

 

"Now, I sit. I sit and wait; for what, I don't know. I long to be out in the light again. I yearn to be useful and appreciated again. I pray that one day, someone will notice me, here in the darkness. Won't somebody take the time to see me for what I am? Can't someone pull me back into the light and allow me the chance to be a gateway of inspiration?"

 

........................

 

Have you ever wondered how many comics and magazines are in stores and collections, sitting around, not able to reach their full CGC glory?

 

While the truth is all of the major, historic, pedigree-like collections of classic books have probably been unearthed and auctioned off, there still remains an unknown number of personal collections and dealer inventory that have remained untapped, even in this day and age.

 

What treasures could be out there? What books are waiting to be discovered by a young enthusiast, an intrepid collector, or someone reading this right now? How long will comics with fantastic potential wait to become CGC'd? What OAKs remain unseen in boxes around the world?

 

At times, I have felt like a comic book archaeologist, digging through musty old boxes in search of valuable and historic items of a lost, artistic civilization. I feel like freeing the books from their prisons and allowing them to be seen and appreciated for what they represent, without being chased or shot at.

 

Recently, I visited a comic store in my city I had been wanting to check out. They had a varied selection of new releases, but I noticed there were no variant covers to be seen. When I asked the owner about it, he proceeded to "inform" me that variants were bad for the industry.

 

I mentioned to him that I was in search of top grade copies for signings and grading. He then proceeded to "inform" me that CGC and those who collect them are also bad for the industry.

 

After a conversation with him about these statements, he simply finished by saying, "Everyone has different views. Mine just happens to be right, and yours just happens to be wrong."

 

Wow! Really?

 

I almost walked out (and maybe I should have), leaving the five new issues I had gathered on his counter, but I DID want them for the Tampa convention coming up next month. I bought them and left. The archeologist in me will never have me going back to his store ever again, even knowing I might be able to free one of his relics.

 

I don't know why a store owner would want to purposefully offend a potential repeat customer because his views on the shared industry are different. Yes, there are those who look to only make money from buying and selling CGC books. But there are also those who are in it for what these books represent.

 

It's no different than true archaeology. There are those who use tools to find relics of the past from lost civilizations, for the education and betterment of humankind; to bring these historical pieces to life for all to see. Then there are those who only wish to profit off of their finds. I wonder which one the store owner cares about most?

 

You can find people who want to capitalize monetarily off of practically any industry in this world (snow cones for example). This does not make the tools of those industries bad, nor the industries themselves or the people who wish to use those industries to further the betterment of its products. I don't see anything wrong with CGC or it's practices.

 

They serve a purpose in our hobby. To protect and authenticate our historical and new items alike, giving everyone the chance to see, appreciate and yes, even own these treasures. A person's motives behind utilizing CGC is up to them.

 

I was a collector, like my father before me, we searched year after year for the finest specimens. It was his passion that I learned from before he passed away. After he died, I sold off the majority of my collection (a story for another time).

 

It was CGC that got me back into the industry. It is because of them and the community they helped to create, that I have an even deeper appreciation for these books and the creators from whom they spring. So how can they be "bad for the industry" when they can inspire those like me to collect again?

 

I have sold graded books. But when I do, there is always this feeling of loss for me, like I'm letting go of something priceless. I usually do it to help fund my specific collecting interests in the hobby, rather than to turn a huge profit.

 

When I search boxes looking for artistic relics from creators gone by, I am not doing so with the idea of making a profit off them. I am doing it for the chance to find that rare item; that book that has never been graded before, or reached a particular grade level before. I often do it with creators in mind, looking for copies that they could sign at future shows, allowing them to put a small piece of themselves back into a book that they helped create, and then preserve it for all time.

 

Who knows what is out there waiting to be discovered by those like us? Who knows what glorious works of art are just sitting somewhere, trapped in limbo. We have the opportunity to unearth them and provide them with a chance to be something special to the whole world again.

 

This is what makes this hobby so thrilling to me. This is what drives me to seek out these books. This is what collecting is all about.

 

And as my big bro would say,

 

Thanks for reading

 

Below is an OCC (original collection copy) of mine, Daredevil #91. I believe it is a 9.6 and I plan on taking it to Baltimore for Tom Palmer to sign.

 

See more journals by bagofleas

[mschmidt]

Nice book!

[Alawson453]

First of all, Great Post!

The store owner you dealt with is just one of many that

just is not able to deal with our accept change.

 

Most old school shop owners see graded comics as a threat

in that they can no longer tell a collector what grade their comic

is and have them accept it, basically the take it or leave it attitude.

 

Good store owners should always try to educate customers whenever

possible. They will appreciate it and want to come back.

 

There are dealers that realize that someone with a comic or

collection that had been CGC Graded probably knows the

value of said items and that they won't be able to acquire

them for pennies on the dollar.

 

I believe this to be one of the

most significant factors for local comic shops being able

to restock with high grade/top quality back issue comics

and that many of them are just frustrated because they

cannot just make the easy buck as they did in the past.

[rodan57]

Have you ever wondered how many comics and magazines are in stores and collections, sitting around, not able to reach their full CGC glory?

 

... there still remains an unknown number of personal collections and dealer inventory that have remained untapped, even in this day and age.

 

What treasures could be out there? What books are waiting to be discovered by a young enthusiast, an intrepid collector, or someone reading this right now? How long will comics with fantastic potential wait to become CGC'd?

 

... There are those who use tools to find relics of the past from lost civilizations, for the education and betterment of humankind; to bring these historical pieces to life for all to see.

 

... This does not make the tools of those industries bad, nor the industries themselves or the people who wish to use those industries to further the betterment of its products.

 

I don't see anything wrong with CGC or it's practices. They serve a purpose in our hobby. To protect and authenticate our historical and new items alike, giving everyone the chance to see, appreciate and yes, even own these treasures.

 

... Who knows what glorious works of art are just sitting somewhere, trapped in limbo. We have the opportunity to unearth them and provide them with a chance to be something special to the whole world again.

 

Just to be the Devil's advocate here, but I don't believe a comic needs to be slabbed and labeled to reveal its beauty.

[surfer99]

Great post and I get your meaning regarding the slabbing of the book...it allows you to post it here for the world to see and appreciate, while also keeping it safe in it's protective case. I have the same thoughts of unearthing some hidden gem that hasn't seen the light of day for who knows how many years and then getting it graded and displaying it in my collection...or even selling it, if that's the direction I choose. Your wording makes me want to watch Indy now and go hunting through yard sales, flea markets, and out of the way comic shops!

 

That Daredevil book too...wow. If I saw that book I would totally snag it and grade it...the signature is added bonus...even though it's not something I'm looking for. Why? Because I like Daredevil and it's not often you see a book that old in such amazing condition. I...love...collecting...comics! Oh and the fact that this hobby brings people like us together, makes it that much more enjoyable. Thanks for posting my friend.

 

 

[Brandon Shepherd]

Great post, I remember overhearing the owner of my local comic shop talking to another customer about his distrust of CGC, it reminded me of another store I used to go to in Ohio, they also did not approve of CGC. Outside of the online, the few comic circles that I know of still carry the mentality of collecting CGC as selling out, oh well.

 

I have been going through all my raw books lately, I'm rediscovering many great reads and also a few books that look good, maybe 9.8 good.

[SW3D]

Dear BOG,

 

I absolutely love the intro to your journal...

 

"Darkness...

 

There was darkness for more years than I can remember. Once, I was new and pristine; out in the world and available. I had the power to enthrall and the ability to help people lose themselves in a world of wonder."

 

Now, I sit. I sit and wait; for what, I don't know. I long to be out in the light again. I yearn to be useful and appreciated again. I pray that one day, someone will notice me, here in the darkness. Won't somebody take the time to see me for what I am? Can't someone pull me back into the light and allow me the chance to be a gateway of inspiration?"

 

Did you write this yourself or are you quoting someone?

 

Anyway...

 

I've done a bit of the "Comic Book Archealogy" and "Comic Book Treasure Hunting" myself and have had mixed reactions from comic shop owners. I take it with a grain of salt. But unlike you, I have two-fold mission in mind: Find a high-grade copy for my private collection, find another to sell on eBay. Yes... I'm honest and I tell people that. I want to make money to further fund my hobby. Is that so bad?

 

On one such jaunt, I tried to convince the owner of a cute and petitte LCS in Kew Gardens, Queens NY, if I could consign some of my graded Modern Comics with Yellow Labels in her store where she could profit with a 12% commission on sales. I told her there's a big market for graded comics, which she had been oblivous to and she looked at me like I was the eight-headed Hydra. I did my best to convince her to consider slabbing some of her own comics, but it fell on deaf ears. Nonetheless, I bought several comics from her and have had them slabbed and they returned with high grades. However, I have not returned since.

 

I visited another shop in the East Village (NYC) and another owner was like the guy you encountered. He loathe the fact that I was only interested in high grade and for slabbing. If I remember correctly he stated "Comics are for reading... how are you going to read the comic if it's slabbed?". I know I replied in my typical fashion, but by his glare like I was some kind of parasite, I wasn't going to change or convince this man... so I walked out of his very dusty shop and didn't purchase anything. I hate dust and I hate attitude!

 

I visited another dusty comic store in San Diego, and it was run by this 40ish woman, and I stated the purpose of my visit. I was looking for such and such modern keys in high grades, and that I was very "condition sensitive". I even stated I was going to invest in getting them graded and was looking for only 9.8 candidates. Although she didn't say anything, she looked at me with that same expression... I was some kind of "vulture". I remember specifically informing her that I didn't want the comics I selected to be handled (or mishandled) by anyone but me... and she put her fingers on the cover of one pristine comic and I immediately said: "Sorry, I no longer want it. Let's put that one aside. And if you continue to touch the comics with your naked fingers, you are going to lose a sale." I know she didn't like that, but heck... I'm not going to buy raw moderns at Overstreet Price Guide value and get back grades that are not going to sell. I walked away buying some comics, and I believe I got one or two 9.8's from it.

 

I know from my conversations with many comic book artists and writers at NYCC, they also don't like seeing their works slabbed. One writer said "How are you going to read it?" I said, "I will buy myself a reading copy, a reprint or a TPB... but this one is going to be preserved forever." He still didn't get it. But, that's okay. He's entitled to his opinion.

 

But for every LCS or Comic Book Creator that doesn't get what we like about the CGC or "vultures" who want to profit from it like me, there are others that do. Midtown Comics understands this. And many artists also understood my point of view. And now, many LCS's are getting on the program. More and more I see CGC comics on display (albeit at some ridculous price, but I understand... they have lots of overhead). So with time you should encounter a lot less resistance.

 

And BTW, I don't always go on my "Comic Hunting" excursions with selling in mind. Many a time I went to an LCS's looking to improve my personal collection. I have always been a "condition/grade enthusiast". From the first time I picked up a Newsstand Comic, to the first time I visited a Comic Book Shop, and the first time I saw a comic in an "acid-free" bag, to the first time I bought my first pack of plastic bags, to the first time I bought a price guide, intuitively, the whole notion of keeping comics in high grade clicked with me. And I firmly believe, those collectors that are attracted to the CGC have the same DNA... we love comics in high grade. "Mint is our name, Mint is our game. And how are we going to achieve it? The CGC way!" (Okay... that sounds corny).

 

Anyway... with us, you will always have a great group of people as your supporters... so if you want us to kick down the doors of a LCS that gives you a hard time... just let us know (Just kidding... but we will write a strongly worded letter!).

 

Oh... and that's is a gorgeous DD 91. I hope you get a really high grade!

Back in 1983 or 1984, I bought DD #6 from Mile High Comics from their catalogue in one of the comics. DD #6 is the first appearance of Mr. Fear. That was also the last regular appearance of the old yellow-red costume. I am quite certain, it was the first comic I bought with a 12 cent cover. I have been meaning to get a high grade of this comic. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

 

Good luck in Baltimore/TP signature!

 

SW3D

[bagofleas]

Thanks SW3D! I wrote the beginning myself.

 

And I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with searching specifically for issues to resell. I do it myself from time to time in order to fund the personal collecting I do.

 

It's just seems that a lot of these store owners are not happy when you come into their store with more knowledge than them and a high sense of grade/condition in everything you buy. There are some who are beginning to latch onto the graded market, as you say, but I sure do wish more were accepting of the slabbed beauties that we love so much!

[SW3D]

I look at it this way... the more ignorant they remain of our market the better it is for us. Once they get a wind of what we are doing, they'll start pricing their high grades at higher premiums. So it's in our best interests for our wallets that they remain in the "Dark".

 

SW3D

[Garlanda]

I always think it's kind of funny when retailers throw out the "comics are for reading!" line. It sure looks like they think comics are for selling with prices determined by condition and demand... I don't see them encouraging me to grab a copy, open it up and read it on the spot.

 

Everyone likes that public libraries have started carrying more TPBs and I see an awful lot of Walking Dead TPBs in most comic shops, prominently displayed right up front. So that's okay, but for some reason it's odd if I chose to preserve a high-grade copy but read it digitally or in a print collection?

 

I think the real issue is that some retailers perceive that you are finding a way to make money off of what they think is their exclusive money-making venture. It's kind of like how casinos throw you out if you're caught counting cards. You aren't doing anything except paying attention, but because it affects the odds in your favor it's not allowed.

 

Long before the advent of CGC, I would pick through available copies to try to find the best one. I still do that, even for books of which I have no intention of submitting for slabbing. I don't tell the store clerk about my plans to slab or not, but I expect anyone working at a comic shop to treat my potential purchases with the respect due to an item that, as previously mentioned, is priced based on condition.

[lambfan68]

Although she didn't say anything, she looked at me with that same expression... I was some kind of "vulture". I remember specifically informing her that I didn't want the comics I selected to be handled (or mishandled) by anyone but me... and she put her fingers on the cover of one pristine comic and I immediately said: "Sorry, I no longer want it. Let's put that one aside. And if you continue to touch the comics with your naked fingers, you are going to lose a sale."

 

I understand your reasons, but all you did there was reinforce her perception of people who slab comics as weirdos.