Eggman Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Hi, everyone. I never thought I would be one of those people posting something like this but here I am. As you have probably seen in the news - or experienced it firsthand - there are raging fires throughout the Northern California area. One of the first areas hit was Napa and Santa Rosa. I live in Santa Rosa. Unfortunately, I was also in one of the areas that was completely devastated by the fires. Me, my friends/neighbors, and entire neighborhoods are completely gone with nothing really but ashes left. My house and two cars were totally destroyed; I had nothing but a change of clothes and some toiletries. The fires still continue in many other NorCal areas, but we are all holding strong here. The community has come together like nothing I've ever seen. The heartfelt emotion and people helping people has restored some of my faith in humanity. Regrettably, I've lost over 40 years of comics and related memorabilia. I've saved, scrimped, spent countless dollars, Cons, eBay, bookstores, and whatever in my collecting habits since I was just a little kid. I amassed a pretty good collection of around 12000 books in total, most in Mylar. My collection ranged mostly from silver age through modern, many 1 of 1s, and such. I've traveled the world and lived many places, but kept my books in top shape, shlepping them all over the world from pre-teen to adult. And now they're all gone in one night. My insurance, while great (State Farm), unfortunately did not contain a rider for my books so I'm not going to be compensated for them. I should have known better. My family is completely safe and sound, although we are still seeking "permanent" housing while going through the rebuild process which may take a few years. With over a thousand families displaced and a nearly zero supply, it is a madhouse trying to find a place. I am hopeful and remain in good spirits, though. The #1 issue has been addressed: my family is safe and sound; all other questions are really irrelevant. But I am bummed to say the least about my comic situation. I've enclosed a few pics of my specific situation. I was able to get into my area 2 days after the fire (it was still hot in some parts of the house) with the help of a Sheriff friend of mine. I'm coming to terms with losing my lifelong collection, and thought I would commiserate with those who understand the hobby. In a couple of images, you can see a large white mound; that is all that remains of all those thousands of books (which were in interlocked, stacked, long boxes). mysterio, jimjum12, gadzukes and 6 others 1 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robocard Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Utter destruction and devastation. I am glad you and your family are safe. What you are and will go through are hard for most of us to imagine. I hope you receive some positive news soon as far as housing, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizards2 Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 sorry for your loss. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKinTO Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I just read this to my wife, and we were both tearing up at your story. My wife is from LA, but we met and lived in the Bay Area for many years. So sad to hear this, and as a fellow comic book enthusiasts, I can really empathize with how tough it must be - especially given you've brought your collection with you across many cities and kept them in tip-top shape, only to lose them in a tragedy like this. Kudos to you for keeping things in perspective, that as long as family is safe, that's what matters most. And I guess it's a "blessing" that family is ok, so that you have time to lament the loss of your collection. But I know that's gotta be cold comfort... Definitely wish you and your family all the best in trying to find a new home and move forward with your lives. And really hope insurance treats you and others affected by this fairly. lou_fine 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comicsyte95 Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 (edited) I had 2 posts to write but the 2nd got added first.,by mistake..Glad to see you are alright but don't know how you are dealing with it.Hope your insurance covers your house but your comics gone is probably driving you crazy ..id like to help out and the next post I make is the only way I can except my prayers brother. Edited October 16, 2017 by comicsyte95 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post comicsyte95 Posted October 16, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 16, 2017 When you get a new house pm me and I will get your comic collection started again for free.I would be honored if I could send you a few packages of comics Just give me 1 month after Christmas so I can gather some shipping monies sorb3t, Fan Boy, jhutton2 and 5 others 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehumantorch Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 So sorry to hear this. Thank god you're safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wormboy Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Oh man that's horrible. I can't imagine what you're going through. Glad you're all safe though. I'm not far away, and have an extra room if you guys need a place to crash let me know. Or if there's anything else I can do to help please let me know. Tim gadzukes and SteppinRazor 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAMANTIUM Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 That's hard, my prayers are with you and yours. Glad your safe though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post woowoo Posted October 16, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 16, 2017 I live in Rohnert park and fire was close but never got to me. I am sorry for you. like comicsyte95 said I to will help you with some books to get you started again when you get time glad your safe. I am a mechanic and just got a newer used car so i do have a ford Taurus 2001 that has a misfire every now and than registered till Dec never broke down on me I will give you for free if you don't have a car just pm me and you can have as soon as you want. GoldCap, wormboy, SteppinRazor and 11 others 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mapleleafvann Posted October 16, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 16, 2017 18 minutes ago, woowoo said: I live in Rohnert park and fire was close but never got to me. I am sorry for you. like comicsyte95 said I to will help you with some books to get you started again when you get time glad your safe. I am a mechanic and just got a newer used car so i do have a ford Taurus 2001 that has a misfire every now and than registered till Dec never broke down on me I will give you for free if you don't have a car just pm me and you can have as soon as you want. This place is awesome..... and so is Woowoo and Comicsyte95. I'm very happy that you and your family are safe while also feeling horrible about your losses. I too will be more than happy to contribute some gems to your new collection. When you are settled---hopefully soon---please feel free to PM me. I think I can confidently say that all of us on these Boards are having good thoughts for all of you so tragically affected by this disaster. gadzukes, The Shoveler, comicsyte95 and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woowoo Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 3 minutes ago, Mapleleafvann said: This place is awesome..... and so is Woowoo and Comicsyte95. I'm very happy that you and your family are safe while also feeling horrible about your losses. I too will be more than happy to contribute some gems to your new collection. When you are settled---hopefully soon---please feel free to PM me. I think I can confidently say that all of us on these Boards are having good thoughts for all of you so tragically affected by this disaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadOne Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you now, as well as a helpful hand in the future if the need arises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOC Collectibles Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 This is heartbreaking. I'm just glad to hear you and your family are safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Shoveler Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 The important thing is that you and your family are safe. Let me know what you collect, PM me a shipping address, and I'll be happy to send some books your way in the generous tradition of comicsyte95 , woowoo and Mapleleafvann. I've schlepped my collection across the country for over 25 years, nearly coast-to-coast and a few spots in-between (the places I've been overseas weren't the kinda places that you'd bring any comics). I'm lucky that I did not have them with me when Hurricane Hugo passed right over our heads with some of it's highest-recorded winds. I can only imagine what it would feel like to go thru what you are experiencing. Good luck to you, your family and your neighbors. Mapleleafvann, comicsyte95 and gadzukes 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aszumilo Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 That is truly horrible to hear. Your family is safe, that is the important thing, everything else can be replaced. I, too, would be willing to send some books your way. I am sure I don't have what you lost, but, I would be happy to help. Mapleleafvann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakman29 Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 I'm so happy that your family is safe, thank God for the things you do have. Comics are just paper that can be replaced, and once you rebuild you can start all over again. Might be fun to rediscover the books you need again. piper and kav 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan Boy Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Terrible to see so much destructive by wildfires! My mother told me she heard news of one couple who jumped into their neighbor's swimming pool to escape the fires surrounding their house. They stayed under the water while bobbing up for sucking air, lasting over 6 hours or more. They survived but had lost their house and all over the blocks - everything gone! Glad your family is ok. That is the most important part to you. Comics can be replaced however, I do understand the meaning of your collection throughout the decades gathered. It is the memories on themselves what is to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Designer Toast Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Unreal. I cannot imagine being in that situation. Best to you and your family, Eggman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gotham Kid Posted October 16, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 16, 2017 (edited) How about we setup a comic donation thread over in the Sales section ? Edited October 16, 2017 by Gotham Kid comicsyte95, Get Marwood & I, gadzukes and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...