$20,000 AF15 Comic Book STOLEN at MegaCon 2023! 7 7

[gcstomp]

In the vid, Greg admits he was not vigilant enough and repeatedly blames himself for allowing the theft. He is around 70 years old, and treats the comics in a certain casual way I have noticed with some older comic guys that have seen and sold everything, under the sun.  Maybe not fair to call it a fogginess, but Greg has the relaxed demeanor of someone who is older and has done things in same

This show, a record attendance Megacon, where Saturday was so crowded you could not see past 1 booth to your left or right.  It is crazy pants for him not to have a more secure set up and hire another pair of eyes to help him. But I get how it happened, it always worked for him before, without incident.

[gcstomp]

The ugly characterizations of people who insist on piling on to a 70 year old who soloed megacon as a dealer, and suffered a loss, displays the worst of people, and of a mindset. Where are you in your path to think it is wise to kick a hard working old man who is down. As seen on vid greg has mature attitude of, I woke up today, and the sun was shining, so l am a little down but not out. I am not in a place in my head where i could take a hit like that so graciously.

[ThothAmon]

On 4/23/2023 at 8:11 AM, gcstomp said:

The ugly characterizations of people who insist on piling on to a 70 year old who soloed megacon as a dealer, and suffered a loss, displays the worst of people, and of a mindset. Where are you in your path to think it is wise to kick a hard working old man who is down. As seen on vid greg has mature attitude of, I woke up today, and the sun was shining, so l am a little down but not out. I am not in a place in my head where i could take a hit like that so graciously.

Some might say it’s equally ugly to refer to him as an “old man”.  Just proves it’s very hard to judge others. 

[1950's war comics]

definitely needs an extra set of eyes at a show that big

[gcstomp]

Thoth, that is your take? Calling someone 70 something a hard working old man is "equally ugly" as the disparaging comments that have been lobbed at Greg? No chance Greg would feel that way, and yes, I have known him for decades as has most anyone else who has set up in southern state shows.This is not a serious take, this is a grasping lemme get a shot in, a whatabout ism. 

[Robot Man]

On 4/23/2023 at 5:11 AM, gcstomp said:

The ugly characterizations of people who insist on piling on to a 70 year old who soloed megacon as a dealer, and suffered a loss, displays the worst of people, and of a mindset. Where are you in your path to think it is wise to kick a hard working old man who is down. As seen on vid greg has mature attitude of, I woke up today, and the sun was shining, so l am a little down but not out. I am not in a place in my head where i could take a hit like that so graciously.

Hey, I resemble that remark…

No matter his age, or specific individuals past interactions with him, NO one should steal something from him.

That being said, as an old time dealer, he should know better on how to minimize this from happening to him. I stated earlier a few tips I have learned over the tears that I have learned to prevent this.

The same thing applies to comic shops and the rash of burglaries. Don’t leave valuble merchandise on display when you are not there.

We live in s#%^*y times. The more this happens, the less shops we will be able to patronize and the less vintage comic dealers we will have to choose from at shows. Shows are already getting thin on dealers due to a number of reasons. Add a hit like this to a dealer and it just hurts us all. 

[ThothAmon]

On 4/23/2023 at 10:32 AM, gcstomp said:

Thoth, that is your take?

When respected members of a public forum share their opinions, whether agreed with or not, their words shouldn’t be met with pejoratives. Obviously some boardies have issues with Mr. White unrelated to the theft. At least one of whom I have tons of respect for.  

I brought up the ageism only hoping you’d see the point of how hard it is to try and judge others words as it opens you up to the same. In this case how is Mr. White’s age related to his comic being stolen?  Obviously I’m defensive. 😊 

[Dr. Love]

On 4/22/2023 at 3:51 PM, apollobuzz said:

Asking because I honestly don't know, but is there any such thing as dealers getting insurance for something like this? 

Of course there is.  

We often hear about these incidents - but never hear about their resolution as regards insurance.  There is much useful important information regarding that critical aspect of the hobby/business that could be passed on - if one was interested in being helpful, as well as being helped.

[Robot Man]

On 4/23/2023 at 8:32 AM, Dr. Love said:

Of course there is.  

We often hear about these incidents - but never hear about their resolution as regards insurance.  There is much useful important information regarding that critical aspect of the hobby/business that could be passed on - if one was interested in being helpful, as well as being helped.

I remember Redbeard got a GA Green Lantern #1 stolen at SDCC years ago. I expressed my sadness and sorrow. He just calmly looked at me and said. “Not a problem, it was insured”.

Now, Ron is in the position to have full insurance. Most dealers and even comic shop owners are not.

[Dr. Love]

On 4/23/2023 at 8:43 AM, Robot Man said:

Most dealers and even comic shop owners are not.

I don't understand, Bob.  Why is that?

[Dr. Balls]

On 4/23/2023 at 5:56 AM, gcstomp said:

In the vid, Greg admits he was not vigilant enough and repeatedly blames himself for allowing the theft. He is around 70 years old, and treats the comics in a certain casual way I have noticed with some older comic guys that have seen and sold everything, under the sun.  Maybe not fair to call it a fogginess, but Greg has the relaxed demeanor of someone who is older and has done things in same

He's probably of a generation that makes it hard to perceive human beings crawling around underneath his tables like mongrel dogs looking for something to steal. Give it few more years and you'll just be able to rob someone at gunpoint at a convention with zero repercussions.

Edited April 27, 2023 by Dr. Balls

[thehumantorch]

On 4/22/2023 at 11:56 PM, L'Angelo Misterioso said:

Lol. He's an experienced dealer who has sold high-end comics at hundreds of shows for years now. He put a copy of AF #15 at the *bottom* of his booth and operated without an assistant. I read in an old post here that he has an extensive history of not disclosing restoration on expensive books. I don't feel bad for him ngl

For all his possible faults he didn't deserve to get ripped off.  Theft is theft and it's never okay.  And that thief got away with it and will likely target another dealer next time.

[Robot Man]

On 4/23/2023 at 8:59 AM, Dr. Love said:

I don't understand, Bob.  Why is that?

Probably because they can’t afford it. Or, think it will never happen to them. Or are willing to roll the dice…

[Prince Namor]

On 4/23/2023 at 12:01 PM, Dr. Balls said:

He's probably of a generation that makes it hard to perceive human beings crawling around underneath his tables like mongrel dogs looking for something to steal. Give it few more years and you'll just be able to rob someone at gunpoint at a convention with zero repercussions.

Oh... I've been a comic book fan since the mid-70's and have been going to shows since the mid-90's, and believe me, this stuff has been going on for as long as there have been shows. First time I remember hearing about someone getting a high dollar book stolen at a show was Dragon Con 1995.

There was no internet or social media to put the word out then either...

[KCOComics]

On 4/23/2023 at 12:18 PM, thehumantorch said:

For all his possible faults he didn't deserve to get ripped off.  Theft is theft and it's never okay.  And that thief got away with it and will likely target another dealer next time.

100% agree.  I don't know his history, i just know no one deserves to have a 5 figure book stolen from them. 

It's a shame and every one of these comic book theft stories we've been hearing lately makes me sick.  

[ttfitz]

On 4/23/2023 at 10:54 AM, Robot Man said:

That being said, as an old time dealer, he should know better on how to minimize this from happening to him. I stated earlier a few tips I have learned over the tears that I have learned to prevent this.

I know it's just a typo, but a really good one, I think. 

[ophidia31]

Just wondering why a high priced book like that is even on display, at all. Put a photocopy in a bag and board and if someone asks for serious inquiry, they can see the real thing.

[MrBedrock]

On 4/23/2023 at 7:11 AM, gcstomp said:

The ugly characterizations of people who insist on piling on to a 70 year old who soloed megacon as a dealer, and suffered a loss, displays the worst of people, and of a mindset. Where are you in your path to think it is wise to kick a hard working old man who is down. As seen on vid greg has mature attitude of, I woke up today, and the sun was shining, so l am a little down but not out. I am not in a place in my head where i could take a hit like that so graciously.

A few years ago Greg was set up in Houston at a Comicpalooza show. We were also set up there. One of my long-time customers asked me to come verify a book that Greg had offered. It was raw a supposedly unrestored. It was also priced very strongly. My customer was willing to pay the price if the book was as advertised. I walked up to Greg's booth and asked to see the book. He was very reluctant, and absolutely wouldn't let me take it out of the bag. But sure enough there was some fairly obvious spots of color touch. When I pointed them out to this kind old comic dealer he graciously threatened to jump his barefooted butt over the table and throw a punch at me. It was all I could do not to beat that kind old man's .

Edited April 25, 2023 by MrBedrock

[Juno Beach]

My Spidey sense's are tingling. Something seems hinky to me. 

[THE_BEYONDER]

On 4/25/2023 at 2:10 PM, MrBedrock said:

A few years ago Greg was set up in Houston at a Comicpalooza show. We were also set up there. One of my long-time customers asked me to come verify a book that Greg had offered. It was raw a supposedly unrestored. It was also priced very strongly. My customer was willing to pay the price if the book was as advertised. I walked up to Greg's booth and asked to see the book. He was very reluctant, and absolutely wouldn't let me take it out of the bag. But sure enough there was some fairly obvious spots of color touch. When I pointed them out to this kind old comic dealer he graciously threatened to jump his barefooted butt over the table and throw a punch at me. It was all I could do not to beat that kind old man's .

But I should feel bad he was robbed....right?