Jon Berk has passed. 12 12

[adamstrange]

Links about the auction:

https://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2017/05/30/berk-72-puts-rare-comic-and-art-collection-up-for-auction/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jon-berk-on-the-vintage-comic-and-art-collectors-chase/

https://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1018?articleID=191817

https://journalofantiques.com/columns/jon-berk-collection-sets-records-comicconnect/

 

Edited August 13, 2023 by adamstrange

[RareHighGrade]

I just saw this thread.  What a loss.  John was a Titan in the collecting community, as well as a kind and generous gentleman.  In all the years I knew him, I never heard him say a negative thing about a fellow collector or the hobby.  

[Karl M]

On 8/13/2023 at 1:39 PM, adamstrange said:

• Contributed scans to many reference book projects

Jon was kind enough to do some scans for me (from his copy of New Fun #4) for a personal project of mine some years back, and I'm sure I was a complete stranger to him at the time.  His articles in CBM 25 years ago played a role in enticing me back into the hobby after a long absence.  So very sorry to hear of his passing. 

[Aman619]

I was fortunate to have known Jon through the AACA, helping with a few items for the San Diego dinners etc.  He was a great man, and always fun and interesting to be around. He amassed a once in a lifetime collection, and he will be missed.

[Mr. Lady Luck]

I did not know Jon, but I have heard so many wonderful things about him. My condolences to his family and friends. The hobby has lost a true hero.

I cherish the one book I have from his collection.

[LOC Collectibles]

Never was able to meet Jon in person but what a wealth of knowledge lost. RIP

[Sqeggs]

On 8/13/2023 at 1:17 PM, Zolnerowich said:

I was super fortunate to have met Jon Berk, though only once, at the unforgettable Preview Night that ComicConnect organized in 2017 in advance of the auction. The books and original art on display (including the OA of Planet Comics #1 !!!), were breathtaking. He was very gracious discussing GA books with a N00B like me, and when I told him that Lou Fine's Jumbo Comics #10 was one of my favorite books, first, his eyes sparkled, and next, he suddenly pantomimed the full grand pose and arc where the hero has just flung his spear into the monster's flesh. I'll never forget that moment. Long Live Jon Berk!!!

That was the one time I met him as well. Appreciated and learned a lot from his contributions to the Comic Book Marketplace. His articles about tracking down Lamont Larson were classics. He assembled what was likely one of the best half dozen or so non-OO collections. There's been nothing quite like the CC auction of his collection.

I own the Larson copy of Jumbo 10. I guess I probably had to outbid you for it! 

[batman_fan]

I never met Jon but I was lucky enough to snag this book when he auctioned off his collection

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

On 8/13/2023 at 3:25 PM, Sqeggs said:

That was the one time I met him as well. Appreciated and learned a lot from his contributions to the Comic Book Marketplace. His articles about tracking down Lamont Larson were classics. He assembled what was likely one of the best half dozen or so non-OO collections. There's been nothing quite like the CC auction of his collection.

I own the Larson copy of Jumbo 10. I guess I probably had to outbid you for it! 

Well done, Sqeggs! (And btw, shouldn’t there be a “u” in your name someplace?)

Edited August 13, 2023 by GreatCaesarsGhost

[comicjack]

On 8/13/2023 at 1:17 PM, Zolnerowich said:

I was super fortunate to have met Jon Berk, though only once, at the unforgettable Preview Night that ComicConnect organized in 2017 in advance of the auction. The books and original art on display (including the OA of Planet Comics #1 !!!), were breathtaking. He was very gracious discussing GA books with a N00B like me, and when I told him that Lou Fine's Jumbo Comics #10 was one of my favorite books, first, his eyes sparkled, and next, he suddenly pantomimed the full grand pose and arc where the hero has just flung his spear into the monster's flesh. I'll never forget that moment. Long Live Jon Berk!!!

You were looking at the Jumbo i was eyeing the Centaurs i this Chris was also there with us that night .The room was full of life Steve F and Vinnie and Jon all posing for pictures 

Edited August 13, 2023 by comicjack

[Sqeggs]

On 8/13/2023 at 6:46 PM, GreatCaesarsGhost said:

Well done, Sqeggs! (And btw, shouldn’t there be a “u” in your name someplace?)

Only in Scrabble!

[Sqeggs]

On 8/13/2023 at 6:52 PM, comicjack said:

You were looking at the Jumbo i was eyeing the Centaurs i this Chris was also there with us that night .The room was full of life Steve F and Vinnie and Jon all posing for pictures 

I took some photos that night but I can't seem to find them. Probably lost when I exited Photobucket.

[BLUECHIPCOLLECTIBLES]

Spoke with him on the phone a few times and had pleasant conversations each time. Seemed like a nice guy

[The Black Hand ®]

All the good old guys are passing away from the hobby.

[BLUECHIPCOLLECTIBLES]

Seeing the picture here I realized I had spoken with him in person a few times as well, and didn't realize it was the same guy I'd spoken with on the phone.  Very jovial guy.

[comicjack]

On 8/13/2023 at 7:06 PM, Sqeggs said:

I took some photos that night but I can't seem to find them. Probably lost when I exited Photobucket.

Same here can't find mine either 

[adamstrange]

[Sqeggs]

On 8/13/2023 at 8:19 PM, adamstrange said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jumbo 10 fan on the right. You can always tell them by their backpacks. 

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

On 8/13/2023 at 5:24 PM, Sqeggs said:

Jumbo 10 fan on the right. You can always tell them by their backpacks. 

Are you saying that’s you?

[Sqeggs]

On 8/13/2023 at 8:51 PM, GreatCaesarsGhost said:

Are you saying that’s you?

Nope. The other Jumbo 10 fan in this thread. The guy on the left in that photo looks kinda like Ted Van Liew but I don't remember his being there than night.