William-James88

Yeah, it's more off putting to the buyer than it is to the grader. So 3.0 sounds fair, since the centerfold is still attached at one staple. Can't be higher than that though.

9.8 here we come! By the way, I do wish to thank you all for your help. While I do buy modern books (I am subscribed to Detective and Saga for instance), I would not have known that they were worth something. I mean I had an idea of Saga to some extent but didn't know about tec 880 at all. And I thought I was doe for with my ASM 361. I will still keep them for myself, but I do like the idea of having them slabbed.

That's an awesome story, I am glad it worked out for you. My Saga 1 one has a nick on the bottom of the spine too, not sure how common that is on that book either. But when it comes to these happy surprises though, this is what comes to mind:

Thanks valiantman, I don't know which one I have, will take a look tonight. Is one rare than the other? I know news stand editions were rare for 90s books but I don't know if that's the case with modern era books.

How do we know which is which? Are there pics someone could provide? Not sure which one I have.

Look at previous auction wins on e-bay comparing what the same book gets in a 9.8 and a 9.6. if the 9.8 gets much more than the cost of a press than go for the press. While it might not boost a grade, at least it could confirm the grade you were thinking. And remember, a lot of people overestimate grades, especially new collectors. if you want to get a 9.6 or 9.8 and want to send it to pressing, make sure there is no colour break anywhere on the covers, since those will not be taken out with a press. Also, I asked the same question here and people were kind to reply so you may get more answers:

Just curious, is this about good deals we got or also about good deals to be had, like a heads up? Because if so, Adventure Comics 260 is 50% off guide on e-bay right now (the seller claims it's a 5.0 but it's more likely a 4.0) https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Adventure-Comics-260-1st-SA-origin-Aquaman-VG-FN-5-0-DC-1959/164068448953?hash=item26333ddab9:g:iu0AAOSweaBeGiZl

Thanks man, and no I had not noticed. I mean I saw the latest deals were magazine related but I thought that,s just because deals on comics were a thing of the past and the thread title seemed all inclusive. But thanks for the heads up.

Thanks this is very helpful. I was pretty sure it was a printer defect since it's a clean cut, not a tear, no filaments. Glad to know they aren't too harsh on it. It's the only decernable defect on mine so I will let you guys know what it comes back as. I wouldn't mind 9.6.

In this case, it has. Just looking at the market. That's the point of this whole thread right, affordable keys? 43 is claimed to be an affordable key as opposed to 42, that's a major clue right there. It's also been more expensive in the price guide for as long as I've been following it. I see no evidence that the demand for 43 is higher than 42.

Has there ever been a change in market for a particular book being favoured over another one after decades of a consistent trend? I like your passion and since I have a Daredevil 1 rather than those other two, I would love it if it would go higher. It will but I still see it trailing behind X-Men 1. It's ridiculous how key X-Men 1 is in the grand scheme of things. Some books introduce a character or a team but this has a team made up of 6 characters that would go on to become mainstays and icons in the marvel universe along with one of the greatest villains (the greatest? up for debate). Just to say there is a lot going on in that book to keep it on top of others.

I just picked up a mid grade book for a bit more than that (still 30% below guide) because I do like Aquaman and it's good to have in case it dos heat up one day and I regret not purchasing it for cheaper when I could. However, I don't think it will ever be on par with Showcase 22 or even Showcase 30. The big deal with Showcase 30 is that it's the first aquaman centric book. Kinda serves as an Aquaman 1 before he had a main series, and silver age 1s are hot keys for collectors. I kinda see it as Amazing 15 in a way where a character is given a shot in an antholgy book and is there on the cover (which is a big deal since covers become rather significant when that,s all you see in a slab). Of course, it's not his first appearance so that's where the comparison with AF 15 ends. As for it being on par with Showcase 22, I don't see it. Again, not only are we missing the cover element, but for Aquaman particularly, he feels more like a retcon than a fully new character, unlike Hal Jordan. People can argue about that for sure, but the fact that there is such an argument to be had while there is no denying that Showcase 22 is the first apperance of a JLA mainstay kinda shows why they aren't on par. I find Aquaman to be more like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Green Arrow. A character from the Golden age that was given an update in the silver age. I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way, or else that book would at least sell for guide, if not much higher. Just to reiterate, I like the book, I think it is a key, but not as big as the others mentioned and I am not sure if it will ever have it's due.

Adventure Comics 260 is also 50% off guide on e-bay right now (the seller claims it's a 5.0 but it's more likely a 4.0) https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Adventure-Comics-260-1st-SA-origin-Aquaman-VG-FN-5-0-DC-1959/164068448953?hash=item26333ddab9:g:iu0AAOSweaBeGiZl

10 mins left to get Action Comics 255 (first bizarro lois) at 50% off guide https://www.ebay.ca/itm/ACTION-COMICS-255-VG-1st-BIZARRO-LOIS/283777526305?hash=item4212756a21:g:x3oAAOSwpBpdBBb2 Not mine, already own the book

He responded to all fan mail sent to him. If anyone wants to read his letter to me, let me know and I will post it.