Your Collecting 'Philosophy'... 3 3

[JDH-84]

I'm a completist to the extreme with what comics I collect and would say I'm pretty focused. I started collecting again  in 2013 after stopping when I was a kid. I collect Wolverine, The Crow, Stranger Things, Halloween, Terminator, and other misc. horror series. I have every Wolverine issue, variant and  printing to every series and mini series since the 2013 volume. It's like 7 shortboxes. The 2020 series alone is 3 short boxes due to all the variants for the 50 issue run. Also, I'm very particular about condition so everything is very high grade. In addition to comics, I also collect Wolverine cards and action figures, stranger things cards and figures, halloween cards and figures, and crow action figures. 

[Coverdeath]

On 8/2/2024 at 8:24 PM, RockMyAmadeus said:

AMERICA, HELL YEAH, LETS DISRESPECT THE WHOLE WORLD!  

[Coverdeath]

On 8/3/2024 at 12:37 AM, aszumilo said:

My philosophy...

Are you collecting every appearance of the squirrel girl if I understood?

[RockMyAmadeus]

On 8/3/2024 at 8:22 AM, Coverdeath said:

On 8/2/2024 at 11:24 AM, RockMyAmadeus said:

AMERICA, HELL YEAH, LETS DISRESPECT THE WHOLE WORLD!  

 

[marvelmaniac]

I started collecting in 65 and collected through 69, restarted collecting new issues to read in 79/80 when I was on disability, I found my first LCS in 81/82 (?) and back issues became a thing, with that came the memories of my childhood, collecting with friends and the nostalgia associated with this.

I am very fond of early Silver Age (up to about 66), I love the simplistic storylines, self contained stories, so called "B" list villains and when a crossover happened... . I was not and still am not interested in who wrote/penciled/inked/colored these books, yes, I know names like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Romita Sr., John Byrne, Frank Miller but if you asked me who did what, for the most part my answer will be...

However, I was collecting on a very, very tight budget, and as more LCS's popped up and more back issues became available this led me to attempting to try to complete runs, this was more difficult to do before the internet, after I discovered eBay in 03, the floodgates opened and I was buying, buying, buying, the problem, I was working with limited funds but wanted a lot of books so I settled for a lot of low grade books (PR 0.5 - FR/GD 1.5), Remainder copies or books that were damaged just so I could get more books for less $$$.

After I completed the superhero runs (Do not have AF 15, ASM 1, Avengers 1, F.F. 1, IH 1, JIM 83, TOS 39, X-Men 1) I was still in a buying frenzy so I started collecting Pre-Hero Atlas/Marvel Horror/Monster Books, Westerns, Sack Sack Titles, it finally stopped in 2010 when the early JIM/ST, Kid Colt/Rawhide Kid books I was looking for became too expensive for my taste, even in low grade.

Now that I will be turning 69 in a week, I look back and ask...Why???, what was the point of buying all of these books that I did not really care for or never read just to have them, I know Hindsight is 20/20 and it is easy to look back and say shoulda, coulda, woulda...

These days for me, it all about sharing my books/experiences with others in Comic Book Forums/Facebook Groups, however, it still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside  when I walk into my bedroom and see all of the collectibles/memorabilia on the walls and shelves.

 

[shadroch]

                        More.

[Ken Aldred]

On 8/3/2024 at 8:19 PM, marvelmaniac said:

Now that I will be turning 69 in a week, I look back and ask...Why???, what was the point of buying all of these books that I did not really care for or never read just to have them, I know Hindsight is 20/20 and it is easy to look back and say shoulda, coulda, woulda...

 

I wonder if looking back and being critical about the time, effort and financial expenditure we invested is common with those of us in the twilight period of our collecting?

An existential phase.

 

 

[badback83]

Over the past 20 years, my philosophy has changed time and time again.  Along with focus.  Started collecting runs, then just keys.  That came with enjoyment but also then with regret.  Why did I buy things I don’t really actually want?  Got swept up in “investment” several different times over the past two decades.  Honestly, I really don’t know where I’m going with all this.  
 

Now, I basically don’t collect anymore.  Comics, anyway.  Over the past year or so, I’ve come to the conclusion that, for now, my comic collecting is finished.  There’s really nothing I want for myself anymore.  Of course, I’m still buying if I can make a dollar or two on something, (oh, I know.  I’m a villain for making a profit), and I still like traveling to shows to spend time with friends and go out to eat and everything that comes with it.   Maybe I’m burnt out?  Change of interests?  Who knows.  I’ve always enjoyed the catch and release part of collecting more than the actual ownership part.  Still have a small stack of books, but only stuff that I really like.  Considering selling the rest and only having one book left.  Which would be this:  

 

 

[aszumilo]

On 8/3/2024 at 8:25 AM, Coverdeath said:

Are you collecting every appearance of the squirrel girl if I understood?

Never saw that squirrel.

[s-man]

Not sure if I ever had a philosophy per se.  It all started like many of you as a kid that loved the look of that first issue you had your parents buy you (or in my case, used the change from a store purchase without them knowing!)  And then I found out there were places you could go to get back issues  and collected from there.  Now adays its mainly what I'm in the mood to collect and what looks cool to me (also do I really want to spend x amount of dollars on my next purchase?)

[Jaylam]

My collecting focus seems to follow along these lines.....I want whatever I don't have (and can't afford).

 

Edited August 4 by Jaylam

[Ken Aldred]

On 8/2/2024 at 11:37 PM, aszumilo said:

My philosophy...

Very succinct.

[marvelmaniac]

On 8/3/2024 at 4:07 PM, Ken Aldred said:

 

I wonder if looking back and being critical about the time, effort and financial expenditure we invested is common with those of us in the twilight period of our collecting?

An existential phase.

 

 

I cannot speak for others, as for me, my priorities/outlook on life have changed as I have gotten older and retired, things I used to stress about, have anxiety over no longer bother me like they used to (age or meds or both?). Having material things is not really a big priority for me like it used to be, Family has become my #1 focal point, as long as I have my Family, Health, TV, PS4 w/MLB the Show, Laptop, Phone, Couch, Bed and a Car I am golden.

I recently started collecting Baseball Cards of my favorite players from the 60's when I grew up and went to games at Connie Mack Stadium with Dad,(heading towards the end of life nostalgia?) Each month I buy a couple of cards, however, I do not obsess over " I have to have them all now" as I would have 20 years ago, if a month comes that I do not have the money for any cards, there is always next month. 

It seems as I have gotten older I have developed a Mr. Miyagi persona, just chill, don't sweat the small stuff, deal with it as it comes, I live in a 55 and older community/apartment and I can tell you that not all Seniors have mellowed.

 

[AlterEgo2024]

On 8/3/2024 at 11:22 AM, Coverdeath said:

AMERICA, HELL YEAH, LETS DISRESPECT THE WHOLE WORLD!  

Is your comment directed at CGC for misspelling the word "Spanish" or is it directed at RMA for pointing out the misspelling?

[thehumantorch]

I have no focus to collecting.   If I see something I like and I have the money available in my comic account I buy it.  Mostly I buy SA to GA and I don't bother with cheap books.  My sig line is a pretty fair example of what I like.

[Artboy99]

I like the "chase", and collect Gold, silver, bronze, copper and modern as well as magazines, and statues if I like it.

I tend to have completist tendencies.

[ADAMANTIUM]

On 8/2/2024 at 5:47 PM, ADAMANTIUM said:

Nothing set in stone.

I collect and remember as I go, a budget under $500 per comic sets the tone, usually. 

1st 2nd 3rd appearances happen, sometimes due to budget only 2nd and 3rd appearances that kind of thing.

If I thought I had an idea of what drove the collection, other than thrill of the hunt obviously , it would change tomorrow

I can look back now and make some assertions, but I don't think any were in my head at the time of purchase.

Well it is "tomorrow" and I'm checking to see if mine has changed.

Part of me respects this thread though impossible to have a doctrine for it other than the good book, but seems one would be needed...

In short...  ... Otherwise it basically reminds me of hoarding, or picky hoarding as pointed out by others I just don't know if I'm "picky enough!"  

Signed ~ your overly optimistic hoping it will all work towards the good, for THE ONE LOVE,  and above all...  

 

Edited August 4 by ADAMANTIUM

[southern cross]

I collect for the fun hunting books down and I appreciate all conditions.

My first collecting focus is birthday books for the fun and sticking those raw books on my spinner rack. And I buy multiples of the books to give it that authentic look.

After I bought the spinner rack my wife said that doesn't take up much room you could get another one.

Thought about it for a second and thought nope! Ones a art piece a second turns my place into a comic book store.

My second collecting focus is my TTA pedigrees.

The next is cool covers. 

One copy of timely like a world war 2 cap, subby etc.

And early supes, bats etc.

Other then that it's what takes my fancy 

There's so many books so I just buy what I like. Just have to watch and ensure quality over quantity 

[Kevin76]

How I collect...

Do I feel like spending the money? If I do, then...  

How rare is this book compared to X Y and Z that I'm thinking about instead

What kind of collection am I trying to accomplish? 

I have too many of 1 title, I should get something else

How replaceable is the book ? Does it come up for sale often or hardly ever? 

I could use more Baker, Batman and classic covers. 

Does it have ow/w to better PQ? 

 

[Off Panel]

Here is everything you need to understand about my collecting philosophy.

1) I’m upgrading the books from my youth.

When I was young (in the 1970s and 80s), I bought every Marvel book I could afford, regardless of condition. I have an Amazing Spider-man 3 that was signed and remarqued – extensively -- by an anonymous four-year-old. I didn’t care at the time. I was just going down my checklist, and that book checked the list.

For the last 15 years or so, I’ve been focused on upgrading each of my books to the very best condition I can get. It’s slow-going, and it’s often expensive, but I do love the books I manage to get.

 

2) I am that most wretched of creatures: a Run Collector

Yes, I toiled away until I found ASM 121, 122, 124, and 129 in 9.8 condition with white pages. But then I was also compelled to get ASM 123, 125, 127, and 128. I even had to find and purchase ASM 126 with (*sob*) the second appearance of the Kangaroo!

Being a high-grade completist is a pain in the patoot. It’s 50% OCD and 50% unbridled nostalgia. I was in elementary school when I read that Kangaroo story – I didn’t realize it stunk. And I love it now because I loved it then.

 

3) I only collect Marvel

I only collect Marvel. That is NOT because I think DC is bad. It’s because I had to put some sort of guardrails on myself. Secretly, I have always thought Batman was really cool, but no. 

It always makes me think of the classic George Carlin joke: “What a curse it must be to be a bi-sexual. Can you imagine wanting to f*** everyone you meet?”

I can collect Marvel OR DC, not both.

 

4) I focus on the Bronze Age.

Those were the books I read growing up, and they have the strongest nostalgia pull for me. And I can (mostly) afford to pick up issues at the top of the census if I pace myself. 

One of my primary goals is to collect Amazing Spider-man 100 through 150 in 9.8 with white pages. I have 34 of the 51 issues I need, and I’ve got most of the hard ones, but there are still two or three that are going to be really tough to find. I’m enjoying the hunt, but it’s because I know I’ve got another 3-4 years to find those books.

 

5) If I see a Bronze Age Marvel raw book in NM+/M condition, I buy it

It doesn’t matter what is it. Master of Kung Fu 19? Sure. Howard the Duck 6? You bet. If it’s in exquisite condition, I’m buying it.

I’m like Morgan Spurlock when someone said, “Do you want to super-size that?” I’m not allowed to say “no.” A man has to have a code.

 

6) I will never complete my goals, but I will have fun trying

Okay, I’ll probably complete the ASM 100-150 goal. But I’ll never get 1-150 in the condition I want.

Meanwhile I’m also putting together high-grade Bronze Age runs of the Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Daredevil – all the standards.

Several years ago, I saw Barton’s collection of Marvel Picture Frame books and just thought it was awesome. So I’m taking a run at that, too, knowing full well that I will not live to complete it. (Don’t worry -- death isn’t imminent or anything. I’m healthy, but there are like 380 of those things and I’m adding 3 or 4 a year!)

 

7) Even-numbered years are about buying keys. Odd-numbered years are about filling runs.

I set this guideline for myself several years ago, and it helps to keep things fresh and fun for me.