If memory serves me correctly, this may have already been discussed on a journal topic or two, or on the chat boards, but I can't seem to find it. And if anyone knows of the discussion I'm referring to or something similar, I would be grateful if you could point it out.

Anyway... the other day I noticed on eBay, a seller has on auction, Daredevil 181, the infamous, "Death of Elektra". It's the Newsstand Edition in 9.8. In his seller's description and characteristics, he provides the GPA Analysis stats of Daredevil 181, and goes out of his way to point out the stats for Newsstand Edition sales as compared to the Direct Edition. Basically, he champions the idea that Newsstand Editions are recognized as rarer and as a result, sell at a higher value than Direct Editions. He effectively uses the latest GPA sales figures for Daredevil 181 in 9.8 to prove his argument.

I decided to log on and see for myself. And lo and behold, he's right. GPA Analysis, for Daredevil Volume 1, Number 181, makes a clear distinction between the Newsstand Edition and Direct Edition, with listings of the latest sales for grades from 7.0 to 9.8. As far as I know, other than Spawn #9 (which is more about the variance), this seems to be the only other comic book that GPA provides distinct sales figures for, between Newsstand and Direct Editions.

I'm curious... Is this a new trend for GPA or just a one-time experiment? Are we going to see GPA give more and more comic books similar treatment? And if so, will Newsstand Editions become prized possessions? Just to clarify, I'm specifically referring to Newsstand Edition comic books published and distributed during the Direct Edition era. Somewhere between the Mid-to-Late 70's and into the 80's, when Direct Editions became the norm, Newsstand Editions became the 2nd class citizen comic book. It is well known that Newsstand Editions were published in fewer numbers and received far harsher treatment than Direct Editions, which is why it's more challenging to find them, let alone in high grade. Sadly, today, modern Newsstand Editions are virtually non-existent.

For me, that is nostalgically, Newsstand Editions have a special place in my heart over Direct Editions. I grew up buying comic books off newsstand racks for many years before I discovered a comic book specialty shop. And even when that happened, I didn't immediately embrace the LCS concept, nor did it provide the convenience it could have simply because it was located miles away from where I lived, and that was enough of a hassle for me to choose my neighborhood newsstand over the LCS ninety percent of the time. Of course, today, as an adult, the LCS wins out hands down. The LCS offers a far greater variety of comics and back issues than any newsstand could ever carry, and, sadly, newsstand nowadays, just don't carry a lot of comic books, especially Marvel.

Ever since I started collecting CGC Comics, I noticed a small but growing niche among collectors and their positive attitudes toward Newsstand Edition Comics. There seems to be more and more collectors accepting and embracing Newsstand Editions... and I like that! I like that younger collectors, through our exchange of information and reminiscing, are given insights as to how comic book collecting was like before the advent of the LCS and Direct Edition distribution. It reminds me of what I read and learned about those collectors buying comics in the Golden, Silver and early Bronze Ages. Those collectors faced a whole set of challenges I could never really understand as a child, but appreciate now as a seasoned collector. I will admit, I was fortunate to begin collecting when the hobby was reaching maturity and becoming mainstream... and therefore I recognize how much easier I had it... much like how much easier the modern child has it as compared to boys and girls growing up in the 70's and 80's. And of course, this trend will always self-perpetuate as the decades roll along. The "old" guys will talk about "back in the day" as a "new" audience listens.

So where will this go? Will the modern comic book collector feed their curiosity and collecting habits by seeking out Newsstand Editions? Will the GPA lead the charge in this endeavor? Will the CGC follow suit and change things up in their census by distinguishing Newsstand Editions and Direct Editions? Will comic book dealers and sellers fuel the fire further by jacking up the prices of Newsstand Edition comics (Mile High comics anyone?). I guess only time will tell. What are your thoughts?

Before I go, I would like to share a scan of my original copy, Newsstand Edition of Daredevil 181. I can't remember the exact newsstand I bought it from, but more than likely it was purchased from a stationary store with a spinner rack in my neighborhood growing up. The CGC graded it a respectable 9.2 with white pages. Although it may not be a 9.8, nonetheless I'm happy with the grade because I know it got rough treatment from the get-go. And all things considering, after 32 years or so it was under my care, it received a near mint grade... a grade achieved without pressing... that's something to be proud about.

Thank you for reading, and as always, Happy Collecting!

SW3D

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