GA COMIC BOOK Collecting in the Financial crisis of 2020 3 3

[Axmen]

4 hours ago, KCOComics said:

Axman - I hope I'm not included in slapping you around. I didn't mean anything negative by comments, only that's its very difficult to time the market. The risk of selling books with the expectation of getting them cheaper later is to great for me personally. 

Apologies if I was insulting. 

Im joking mostly - and I have a pretty thick skin.  And my original question was a bit nasty anyway. But apology accepted. I do view myself as a "Real Collector." I look up to you guys that know more than me about buying/trading/selling and want to learn from you all!  Im hoping that with smart selling and trading of stuff in my collection I can end up with some previously thought impossible to obtain Grails over the next few years! 

[Tri-Color Brian]

3 minutes ago, Axmen said:

Im joking mostly - and I have a pretty thick skin.  And my original question was a bit nasty anyway. But apology accepted. I do view myself as a "Real Collector." I look up to you guys that know more than me about buying/trading/selling and want to learn from you all!  Im hoping that with smart selling and trading of stuff in my collection I can end up with some previously thought impossible to obtain Grails over the next few years! 

[lou_fine]

5 hours ago, KCOComics said:

5 hours ago, Tri-ColorBrian said:

I agree with most of these statements, but given your success rate on the 2020 predictions I might have to remain slightly skeptical.  By the way, how do you like my new avatar? (that's the picture under my name...)

His advice on AF15 was pretty good. That book went through a ton of growth. 

Well, although AF 15 (especially for the non uber HG copies) has certainly gone up quite a bit over the past few years, it should be pointed put that Mirch's price predictions for this book was off by a long shot in terms of millions of dollars.  It would appear that he most likely based his prediction upon the CGC 9.6 graded copy of AF 15 that sold for $1.1M back in early 2011 and probably thought that prices for HG copies would continue to move up from there.  Turns out that $1.1M sale was much more of an outlier and prices for lower graded copies over the next few years simply did not support that $1.1M price point.  

Perfect example being the CGC 9.4 graded copy that just sold last month for only $795K which is a far cry from Mitch's prediction of $4M for a CGC 9.4 graded copy by 2020.  Not even sure if this was an actual sale since there's talk that the book was actually purchased by the owner or consignor of this 9.4 copy.  

It would appear that Mitch must have been a big Spidey fan as he also had Spidey 1 as one of his Top 5 books by 2020.  For me, I would most certainly have Batman 1 ahead of a Spidey 1 due to the sheer number of copies.  To tell you the honest truth, I would even have a book like Pep 22 ranked higher than a Spidey 1 since the Pep 22 is a first appearance while the Spidey 1 is not a first appearance.  Okay, true rarity also comes into play here for sure.   

Then again, maybe it's just me since I've always been an Archie fan from even before the mid-90's when the spandex super hero books moved past my price range. 

Edited April 17, 2020 by lou_fine

[KCOComics]

1 minute ago, lou_fine said:

Well, although AF 15 (especially for the non uber HG copies) has certainly gone up quite a bit over the past few years, it should be pointed put that Mirch's price predictions for this book was off by a long shot in terms of millions of dollars.  It would appear that he most likely based his prediction upon the CGC 9.6 graded copy of AF 15 that sold for $1.1M back in early 2011 and probably thought that prices for HG copies would continue to move up from there.  Turns out that $1.1M sale was much more of an outlier and prices for lower graded copies over the next few years simply did not support that $1.1M price point.  

Perfect example being the CGC 9.4 graded copy that just sold last month for only $795K which is a far cry from Mitch's prediction of $4M for a CGC 9.4 graded copy by 2020.  Not even sure if this was an actual sale since there's talk that the book was actually purchased by the owner or consignor of this 9.4 copy.  

It would appear that Mitch must have been a big Spidey fan as he also had Spidey 1 as one of his Top 5 books by 2020.  For me, I would most certainly have Batman 1 ahead of a Spidey 1 due to the sheer number of copies.  To tell you the honest truth, I would even have a book like Pep 22 ranked higher than a Spidey 1 since the Pep 22 is a first appearance while the Spidey 1 is not a first appearance.  Okay, true rarity also comes into play here for sure.  

I agree with all of that. The price increase I was thinking of was the  lower end of the AF15 market.  It was eye popping to see 1.8s going for 5 figures. The book shifted from "some day" to "well,  that probably isn't going to happen".  So I do wish I followed Mitch's advice and picked up a low to midgrade back in 2011. 

I would also prefer pep 22 to ASM1.  Honestly,  ASM1 isn't even on my radar. Don't get me wrong,  if the right deal came along I would be all over it.  It's just never been a "must have" for me personally. 

[Tri-Color Brian]

14 minutes ago, KCOComics said:

I agree with all of that. The price increase I was thinking of was the  lower end of the AF15 market.  It was eye popping to see 1.8s going for 5 figures. The book shifted from "some day" to "well,  that probably isn't going to happen".  So I do wish I followed Mitch's advice and picked up a low to midgrade back in 2011. 

I would also prefer pep 22 to ASM1.  Honestly,  ASM1 isn't even on my radar. Don't get me wrong,  if the right deal came along I would be all over it.  It's just never been a "must have" for me personally. 

ASM1 has never been a must have for me either, and I'm a Spiderman collector.  For me, that ship sailed a long time ago....  But at least i was smart enough to buy this in 1979...

[KCOComics]

12 minutes ago, Tri-ColorBrian said:

ASM1 has never been a must have for me either, and I'm a Spiderman collector.  For me, that ship sailed a long time ago....  But at least i was smart enough to buy this in 1979...

With the looming recession I'm willing to pay you 2011 prices for that.... no good?  

It's a great book to have in your collection and I'm glad you've hung onto it for 40+ years! 

[Tri-Color Brian]

Just now, KCOComics said:

With the looming recession I'm willing to pay you 2011 prices for that.... no good?  

It's a great book to have in your collection and I'm glad you've hung onto it for 40+ years! 

I will probably never sell that book until I'm on my deathbed.  It only cost $150...

[KCOComics]

Just now, Tri-ColorBrian said:

I will probably never sell that book until I'm on my deathbed.  It only cost $150...

That's how I am. I imagine when my kids are grown and if I'm not still enjoying this hobby I would sell most of my collection. But there are some books that are really special to me, I'll either die with or hope my kids will want to keep.  My 7 year old is really  into comics now so hopefully that keeps up! 

[pemart1966]

On 4/15/2020 at 8:21 PM, Tri-ColorBrian said:

In 1966 that copy of Action 1 would have been $100.  I saw one (maybe the same comic) that year at Collector's Books in Hollywood for $100. 

...and that was a LOT of $ back then considering that the average annual household income was around $7,000, that represented roughly a week's salary net.

At that price, the guy probably was happy to leave it displayed.  If someone bought it, great, if not - a great conversation starter.

Edited April 17, 2020 by pemart1966

[Robot Man]

10 hours ago, Tri-ColorBrian said:

I will probably never sell that book until I'm on my deathbed.  It only cost $150...

How you feeling Brian?...

[Tri-Color Brian]

[Cat-Man_America]

It’s official...

 

[Mmehdy]

1 hour ago, Cat-Man_America said:

It’s official...

 

WOW SDCC complete cancellation no reset. 2021 here we come

Edited April 17, 2020 by Mmehdy

[Tri-Color Brian]

2 minutes ago, Mmehdy said:

WOW SDCC complete cancellation no reset. 2021 here we come

For those of us who do not attend anyway, this is non-news...

[Cat-Man_America]

31 minutes ago, Mmehdy said:

WOW SDCC complete cancellation no reset. 2021 here we come

While one door closes, another opens.  This will create possibilities for fan involvement in a virtual SDCC for various activities to those choosing to participate.  I’m pretty sure SDCC will want to be associated with this if not organize it, but I’d caution against monitization.  

Dealers should be able to run their own virtual booths during the time of the con.  

Perhaps virtual on-line pro panels can be scheduled at some point.  Interactivity might even be possible through Skype or similar service for those with the means to properly set it up.  

Heck, if Peter wanted to continue the annual tradition of having a RareHighGrade event with top collectors to share with fans on the GA board, ...maybe even that could be achieved.  

These are just ideas.  Implementation involves a coordinated effort and enough folks willing to participate.

Edited April 17, 2020 by Cat-Man_America

[Cat-Man_America]

8 minutes ago, Tri-ColorBrian said:

For those of us who do not attend anyway, this is non-news...

We’ll give you a virtual pass, ...just this once! 

[bluechip]

33 minutes ago, Mmehdy said:

WOW SDCC complete cancellation no reset. 2021 here we come

That was inevitable.  Things will begin to return to (a new) normal sooner than the most naysayers think, and the economy will bounce back much more robustly than the fearful believe it will.  But this development is no surprise except in how long it took for them to confirm it.  They should try to do some sort of virtual con, with PPV panels and chances to "meet" and chat with celebs and creators online.  You could even have virtual interactions with artists who do con sketches online in real time.   San Diego's been overdue for some creative thinking to make it easier for people to enjoy themselves without having to wait on absurdly long lines for even the most mundane panels.

Maybe if they come up with some creative ideas for 2020 they can continue being creative improve the live con experience in time for its return in 2021.  

 

 

[Mmehdy]

16 hours ago, lou_fine said:

Hey Mitch;

Nine short years later, do you have any changes in your Top 5 in terms of either additions/deletions, or change in your ranking order?  

On another point from that article, what was the "odd ball" Mickey Mouse book that you apparently paid $5K for at the time and the one you valued at $5K in your Mehdy Price Guide?  

I would have to change the order somewhat with 9 years hindsight. ASM #1 is a bit of a disappointment. Bat #1 is much better, and i would rank it above Cap 1 one in fourth place in sort of a tie with Marvel 1. Cap 1  was a great buy 9 years ago. If fact it is still a great buy today, I think there is room for price growth here. The Joker has become the top villain winning TWO Academy awards for his performance by great actors, and I also like Jack Nicholson ground breaking performance as well. Batman #1 is a winner and here to stay.

 The Mickey Mouse book was Christmas giveaway which was listed with no price in the guide for couple of years before some copies turned up. It never hit the prices level I was hoping for.

Edited April 17, 2020 by Mmehdy

[Tri-Color Brian]

12 minutes ago, bluechip said:

  San Diego's been overdue for some creative thinking to make it easier for people to enjoy themselves

 

 

I'm waiting for the virtual buying from comic dealers...all we need is a tag on the outside of every wall book that corresponds to a code we type into our computer.  This will alert the dealer that a customer online wants to know about the book, and then the price dickering can begin...

 

Edited April 17, 2020 by Tri-ColorBrian

[SOLAR BOY]

16 hours ago, Tri-ColorBrian said:

ASM1 has never been a must have for me either, and I'm a Spiderman collector.  For me, that ship sailed a long time ago....  But at least i was smart enough to buy this in 1979...

Hope you’re panicking Brian and I can pick this ugly Spider-Man book off you for $200-$300. It doesn’t look in great shape and since cash is king that money can really help you during covid-19. Hahahahahaha 

Edited April 17, 2020 by SOLAR BOY