This thread will be about my journey to the million dollar comic and the struggles, failures and successes that come with it since many boardies requested it I will not longer post my transactions but try what revat said . I also have a bunch of inspirational people two of them being Walt Disney and Steve Jobs because I want to be the next rags to riches story not to the degree of Steve Jobs or Walt Disney but I want to make a million dollars buying and selling a comic and making enough money with this venture to never again say I can't afford something
Thoughts and plans
Sell my comics
Sell IH 180 CGC 5.0
Milestones I want to reach
Get my first four figure sale
To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
On February 10, 1974 Amazing Spider-Man #129 was released, and so was the first appearance of Frank Castle--The Punisher, coincidentally this was also the first comic I would pick off a spinner rack at the local corner store, and purchase. And So began my hobby of collecting comics.
Here we are 43 years later, and I still have this special issue today.. It has been through a lot, and shows, although I have an upgraded copy of this issue the value of this one is priceless in memories for me. Happy Birthday Frank ...
Tomb of Dracula #1:
So in October of 2006 I purchased my first CGC graded comic--Tomb of Dracula #1.. A cover that had been engraved in my earliest memories of childhood, and a series which I could not fully appreciate until I was a teenager. I had decided this was an issue that I would like to own a preserved graded copy of. Well after receiving this copy, I had decided that I was going to try and complete the series in a grade of 9.2 and higher (high grade for me )-- It's been a long and fun journey as I'm nearing completion of this set....
Issue #1 (April 1972) - "Dracula" -Written by Gerry Conway, Art by Gene Colan , and Cover by Neal Adams (inked by Marie Severin)
My days of collecting anything and everything are over. After accumulating almost 100,000 comics (most of them worthless), I decided to strip my collection down to 50 comics. The 1st 30 keepers were pretty easy, but it got much harder as I got toward #50. This journal will document my "One in /One out" strategy of collecting from this day forward. I added scans of all 50 comics, so I can sift through my comics without having to get them out of safe storage. I have new additions on the way, so I will share my thought process on each one I kick out. This is primairly for my amusement, but feel free to comment on the decisions that I make!
#1
In this journal, I'll be talking about my quest to finally finish a full run of X-Men volume 1, from #1 to 544. I can't tell if many boardies read the new journals or not, and I like the old format way better, but at least this will be a place to help keep myself focused and on track if nothing else.
I've been a fan of the X-Men since the late 80s when I first really started reading comics in earnest. I've dreamed about having a full run since my early 20s, but made the huge mistake of not focusing on the silver and bronze runs first. So like all full run noobs everywhere, I eventually completed a run from about #141 to 544 by picking up a book here or there at shows, looking for sales online or on Ebay, the usual.
So here we are, its 2018 and NOW I'm going to get serious about finally finishing the run? Ok, great! I clearly have no sense. But I still love the X-Men.
I have a plan, sort of. First and foremost is to start shedding excess fat from my roughly 1000 book collection. This is going ok so far. I've sold some things on eBay, through craigslist, and even here on the boards so far. I don't pick up many monthly new books, but I'm going to look at that list and probably at least cut out a few books and put that money towards the run instead. I'm also selling off the last of my Transformers collection. This should net a decent pile of dough to also put straight into the run. I've already sold about a third of it in a week, so this is going pretty well so far.
And finally, I need to stay disciplined. I get easily distracted by shiny books, runs of other titles (I recently picked up a huge run of Amazing Spider-man for example and I'ma sucker for Iron Man), and other interests. So instead, I want to work on resisting all of that temptation and focus as much on the X-Men run as possible. I don't want this to be my only focus, I don't want to burn out on it, but it needs to be priority #1 or I'll never finish this.
I am missing ALOT of books. Nearly the entire Silver Age run, and most of the Bronze Age run minus a handful of the keys. So it will be a marathon, not a sprint. I just hope it is as rewarding at the end as I hope it will be.
One big decision I have to make (big for me, small potatoes for some reading this I'm sure) is whether or not to sell things like my raw NYX complete run in very high grade. I'd like to have a few issues from the run graded, but not unless I'm sure about the minimum grade. Selling the set would translate into a decently big chunk of the X-Men run. I love having this set, but we'll see.
Later today I'll post a list of the missing issues and any other thoughts I have.
Thanks for reading, whomever drops by, and please comment with your own thoughts. Call me nuts. Call me names for waiting so long. I'm good with it, just talk with me.
For my entry in the journals here is my latest project. Conan 1 statue. I got this kit for my birthday a few months ago and recently have been doing some rearranging of my glass display cases so I figured I might as well start building this guy.
A little background. I first saw this statue on an interview with Roy Thomas. I was like oh my I have to have it to display with my book. A little research and I found out it is a resin kit. A little bummed I have to build it but I'm up to the challenge and I'm sure it will be rewarding. My progress so far is I've taken everything out, dry fitted it, and cleaned it. I'm going to stop by in a little bit to pick up some putty for a couple touch up spots and then primer it hopefully after work tonight.
Starting my Warren Eerie run. Hopefully you guys enjoy my journey as I fill in this run.
For starters here's the famous Eerie 1 ashcan, this however is the bootleg one.
Here is Eerie #2 which in my opinion is a solid 9.6, just a perfect book.
Eerie #3 Manitoba pedigree , another perfect high grade beauty.
Eerie #5 signed by Al Williamson, and another NM beauty book.
You magazine collectors know how much harder it is to find NM magazines than their comic book cousins.
Here's a very hard book to find in NM in Eerie #7
DeadOne mentioned he had a few Eeries for me to look at, and he wasn't kidding. So without further ado.
Approximately one Spawn comic posted daily for 365 days- through the upcoming film and milestone issue #300.
The majority of these issues are original owner, and as of this posting I am only missing one issue (#150) from being completely current.
I will reserve Sundays for posting a Spawn spinoff or one-shot at my discretion.
Hello It's been a little while since I've done a journal. A lot has changed, also a lot has stayed the same First off I would like to say thank you to CGC for their part in providing one of the best convention experience I've ever had! As a comic collector, for me when books are graded it is the final step of the journey of my books. I love the signature series program, and getting yellow labels is the cherry on top. Blue labels are awesome too and I enjoy having them both. This convention was the culmination of many different factors. I have my first set of books on the way back from CGC so I thought now would be the perfect time to share my experience. My 2018 Wondercon experience actually began in 2017...
Adventures and musings about Buying, Selling and setting up at Conventions and Shows
I participated in my first ever show last October. You can read about it here: http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=8903742#Post8903742
I was pleased with my sales, it was an excellent learning experience and most importantly, I had a great time. I must have did "ok" as I was invited back by the show organizers.
In my town, there use to be a larger two day Antique Show, but with the sale of the local Legion (where that event was held), the Antique Show organizers asked the organizers of the Collectibles Show to "take over"...I think this is a good thing, merging the two shows.
The first show under the new 'brand' is scheduled for Sunday, April 17th, 2016. Moving forward, the plan is to have a regular two day show in October.
For as long as there is some degree of interest I will share my experiences, good and bad. I also look forward to any new comments and tips from more seasoned sellers. Thanks for your interest!
Thanks for reading!
To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
I finally completed my write-up for my newly acquired world class copy of Incredible Hulk #181 CGC 9.8 W for my CGC Registry Set entitled, "Enter Wolverine!" Just wanted to share with the larger CGC Comic Collecting Community! Enjoy!! -Professor Pecora
[AND NOW...THE WOLVERINE!]
Incredible Hulk #181 showcases the 1st full appearance of Wolverine and his 2nd overall appearance in the history of comics!
Moreover, there are only a handful of comic books that have literally stood the test of time and have reigned over any other book of its era; Incredible Hulk #181 is one of those exceptions!
If you were to think of a single comic book to represent the most sought-after, most valuable and most significant issue of an entire age, it would be Action Comics #1 of the Golden Age (1938-1955); Amazing Fantasy #15 of the Silver Age (1956-1969); and Incredible Hulk #181 of the Bronze Age (1970-1984). In other words, the 1st appearances of Superman, Spider-Man and Wolverine have superseded the importance of any other character of their respective time periods!
With that said, the world was introduced to the claw-slashing, berserker-raged mutant Wolverine, who made a long-lasting first impression during his debut in November of 1974, as he battled the most powerful character in the Marvel Universe—the Incredible Hulk! However, Wolverine wasn’t anything like the major superheroes before him; instead, he was ill-mannered, hot-tempered and walked the earth with a tortured soul, as he would later struggle with his origins and the purpose of his creation. He was a government experiment—the perfect weapon—Weapon X! As a direct result, the “anti-hero” was born!
Wolverine was originally created by writer Len Wein and designed by Marvel Art Director, John Romita, Sr. However, in October of 1974; it was the late Herb Trimpe (May 26, 1939 – April 13, 2015) who first drew the character for publication in a last panel cameo featured in the Incredible Hulk #180. The following month, Wolverine was depicted on the front cover lunging in midair and slashing through heavy chains to attack the Goliath Green Machine! In my personal opinion, this is by far the most badass 1st appearance entrance in the history of comics! Wolverine battled the most powerful being in the Marvel Universe head on, so the story title, “AND NOW…the WOLVERINE!” served as an impact statement as if to say, “move over Hulk…another badass is in town to take on all challengers!” With that being said, Herb Trimpe’s classic cover of Incredible Hulk #181 forever remains etched in the hearts and minds of all Wolverine fans and collectors, and is easily recognized and revered worldwide by any comic book collector or connoisseur!
Roughly 8 months later in the Summer of 1975, Wolverine made his 2nd “full” appearance in Giant-Size X-Men #1 and became a major addition to the new X-Men team. While Wolverine was kicking a** and talking trash in the process, he became increasingly popular with avid X-Men readers and became the most popular character on the X-Men roster! From this success, Marvel would later feature Wolverine in his 1st solo comic; in a classic four-part miniseries, which was published from September – December of 1982. Fast forward a little over six years ahead, and Marvel finally catapulted Wolverine into his own monthly series in November of 1988! Furthermore, in the 43 years of his existence, Wolverine has become the most popular character in the entire Marvel Universe, next to the franchise’s marquee character—the Amazing Spider-Man!
In the Marvel cinematic world, Wolverine has been characterized on the silver screen by famed actor Hugh Jackman for an astonishing 17 consecutive years in a total of 9 films! With the start of the new millennium in the year 2000 up until the year 2017, Hugh Jackman (as Wolverine) has been featured in the following Marvel films: X-Men (2000); X2: X-Men United (2003); X-Men: The Last Stand (2006); X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009); X-Men: First Class (2011); The Wolverine (2013); X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014); X-Men: Apocalypse (2016); and Logan (2017).
To say that Hugh Jackman has had success towards making Wolverine and the X-Men a viable movie franchise would be a gross understatement! Rather, he has ventured into “legendary status,” with almost 2 decades of filmmaking and helping to contribute a Worldwide Box Office Total of OVER 5 BILLION DOLLARS! As a direct result, copies of Incredible Hulk #181 will only continue to appreciate and rise in value annually, making it not only the most coveted book of the Bronze Age to collect and showcase, but one of the most secure long-term investments!
According to the CGC Census Report as of December 12, 2017, out of an impressive total of 9,989 copies graded, only one (1) freak of nature was graded (WAY BACK in April of 2001) as a Universal MINT 9.9, which sold for $150,000 on Comic Link back in February of 2011! Furthermore, only one hundred four (104) copies (including my copy) were graded as a Universal 9.8 and only ten (10) copies were graded as a Signature Series 9.8. With these statistics in mind, the rarity factor for a CGC Universal IH #181 in 9.8 is only 1.04% of the total population! That’s extremely rare! Considering the vast number of copies that have already been professionally graded and the fact that many 9.8 copies are stashed away in private collections, it is going to become increasingly difficult to locate any 9.8 examples; raw or professionally graded!
On that note, this particular CGC 9.8 copy sports PERFECT COVER WRAP, PERFECT CENTERING, and PERFECT WHITE PAGE QUALITY along with being PERFECTLY cut! (okay, if you want to be a snob...99.9% perfect! ) The color saturation is deep and bright and the corners are razor sharp! Of MAJOR significance is the absolutely PERFECT CENTERING & REGISTRATION ALONG THE SPINE! It is extremely RARE even in the 9.8 grade to find a copy in this immaculate condition, which makes the Professor Pecora Copy of Incredible Hulk #181 one of the finest and most valuable copies in the world!
I purchased this PRISTINE GEM in March of 2017 from the same auction house where the single CGC 9.9 MINT copy last exchanged hands—Comic Link! I had to bid very aggressively in the final seconds of the auction to secure it, along with auctioning off the majority of my CGC 9.8 Bronze Age Marvel Key Collection in the Pedigree Comic’s April 2017 Grand Auction to pay for it, but at the end of the day...it was all WORTH IT!
In closing, I would like to thank Mr. Doug Schmell of Pedigree Comics for helping me to acquire this MEGA Bronze Age Key!
-Professor Pecora
I submitted the form, and shipped the following 8 books to CGC today... Modern slow. Had to use my credits up for the year before membership expire/renewal.
Anyway I'm creating this journal so others can guess the grades from the scans, and will post them once they have been returned.. We will see
I'm missing 142, 143,145.
Here is my final round of Creepy mags.
Three more additions #'s 131 , and 133 , and 138.
Only need 142,143,145 to finish the run.
On this day ... January the Fourth 2019, the Comicshop had finally went closed forever. After bit over 44 years in business since the first store opened in the 1970s, moved to its second location on 2089 West 4th Ave until 1999. Then went to move to its third location on 3518 West 4th Ave.
I went to pay my last visit on the last Saturday of December to get my last order. Walked around the store knowing this was my last time to see the classic yellow walls and wall racks. The credits goes to the employees who had kept the traditional look for many years. I made my first visit to the old Comicshop on 2089 West 4th. That happened after I saw their first TV commercial on one Saturday morning while I was watching my daily cartoons, I was a kid back then. I had to beg my dad to drive me to this store.
Upon my arrival, and walked to the store and saw the famous duck sign saying “Of Course We’re Open” outside by front door. Entered inside, I was high in my mind, eyes popped when I saw so much comics and stuff everywhere. I saw the second floor. On the first floor, the guy behind the counter ( the yellow counter which you saw in the photos below) greeted me with a smile. I went upstairs and saw even MORE comics in bins and on wall rack. I was so excited and started check out the comics. I told my dad I loved the store and wanted more visits here. He knew in signing and let me get my wishes. I had many good memories throughout the 1980s during my high school days.
I returned back to my old hometown, then to the new location and resumed my daily visits for the next 5 years to the end. I will miss the duck sign!
Below is a copy I found online. This article explains why I loved this store.
The Oldest Comics Specialty Store in Western Canada
In 2014, The Comicshop was the only store in British Columbia to be shortlisted for the Joe Shuster Award for Best Retailer in Canada, a highly esteemed honour within the industry. Original owners Ron Norton and Ken Witcher, both avid comic collectors, opened the doors of The Comicshop in 1974 to serve the city’s comics fans. Ron later bought out Ken to become sole owner in 1989. From its convenient 4th Avenue West location, the team at The Comicshop has helped Vancouverites with their comic collections for decades (and furthered its own, of course!).
The service is friendly and the selection is vast. Stepping into the shop, you’ll be greeted with a smile by The Comicshop’s manager Keith Bickford and his colleague Brent Stratichuk, who have been bringing in new titles every week and keeping the stock updated since the mid-1980s.
A comic collector’s dream, with new stock arriving every Wednesday, The Comicshop draws loyal customers who drop by on a weekly basis to pick up new issues and chat with Keith, Brent and the team. At The Comicshop, you’ll discover a wide selection of new and collectible comics, graphic novels, art books, toys, posters, t-shirts and all sorts of great stuff.
Over the years, comics sort of grew up and these days the majority of our customers are adults who have been reading comics since they were kids.- Keith Bickford, manager
Living the Comic Collector’s Dream
An avid collector himself, Keith joined the team part-time in high school and never looked back. “It was a great way to make some money during high school and university, do something I enjoy, and help other comic fans. And now I’ve been working here forever!” laughs Keith.
“I still read a lot of comics like when I first started and it’s nice because so do our customers. We have customers who have been coming here since the store opened, so even longer than I’ve been here!”
Comics for All
The highlight of running the shop for Keith is meeting and helping comic fans from all walks of life. “Back when I started working here, it was really for nerds and geeks. These days, with shows like Big Bang Theory, nerd is the new cool,” says Keith.
“It’s really evolved over the years, the industry as a whole has become much more mainstream. Over the years, comics sort of grew up and these days the majority of our customers are adults who have been reading comics since they were kids. Our customers come from all walks of life – we have doctors, lawyers, white-collar workers, people working all around the world coming in, everyone really, so it’s really interesting that way.”
Welcome to my Journal. I'll update it from time to time when something noteworthy happens with my collection. I hope you find something of interest here.First up I thought it might be fun to bring the Class of 2013 together for an end of year bash. Let's start with the ECs...
I've been pecking away at runs of Two Fisted Tales and the Sci-Fi titles for the last four or five years, and I picked up a few nice ones this year.
Here are the Two-Fisted Tales. Very pleased to pick this one up on eBay.
I got this one at Metropolis back in March when I visited their office in Manhattan (highly recommended - the stuff on their walls is amazing).
The remaining two fill out my run from 34 - 41 (final), also from eBay.
Next up will be the Sci-Fi titles.
To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
I had purchased a BATMAN ADVENTURES #12 CGC 9.6 of ebay. I then purchased grader notes for the book after inspecting the book and not finding one spine crease and couldn't figure out why it was a 9.6. The notes stated there was a slight bend on back cover. I finally found it and it was not color breaking. I had sent it in to CCS for fast track pressing and fast track grading and CCS received it on 2/24/2017. On 04/12/2017 I had called CCS to find out why it had not been pressed yet because status still showed at CCS. I was told it was finalized on 04/05/2017 and someone would look into it and call me back later that day to give me more info. By 04/014/2007 I had still not received a call and it was still showing at CCS. So I called again and Cynthia said she would look into it and call me back. Nope no call back. Monday I called for the 3rd time and someone said that Cynthia would have to call me back. I then receive an email from her saying she tried to call my number on file(which is the correct number) and it was out of service and would not let her leave a message. Even though I have had the same number for 15 years and had called them from that number. She said it was sent to CGC in a large volume order and would was found. It graded at 9.6 again, now with different grader notes stating spine stress lines? I send an email in asking how this is possible and send in picks of both covers showing that one the dc logo is clearly a 1/4 inch higher on one book and asking for a response no gets back to me I call for a manager and never get in touch with one. Looking at the book I can see its clearly not the book I sent in by the cut of cover and its in no way a 9.6! So instead of sending in for a regrade in original case like I did the last time, I crack the case carefully place in bag and board in side a top loader in a mailer box inside a usps box. Send in to get pressed again and regraded and it comes back a 9.2? Which is about what it looked like the book they originally send me back looked like. This process took close to 8 months only for me to end up with a Batman adventures (.2 that should have been a 9.8 and PS the 9.2 gave no grader notes? Needless to say I am not happy!
Today is my thirtieth wedding anniversary. When my wife was out shopping my six foot tall First Order storm trooper arrived. Upon coming home, as she passed him in the hallway, excused herself and smiled.
Last Reply:
01/18/2019