KEY ISSUES Comics

Yep, that's seem to the cycle with books. Something heats up and the market gets flooded soon after, causing prices to drop. Some time later the same book heats up again and we start the cycle again. And yes, the next movie, animated or live action, will light the flame once more for UF4. I am however skeptical about how high it can reach now. Soooo many copies are out there and have been graded. I guess it comes down to how slowly the hoarders release copies on the market. That's another aspect of the market: controlling supply.

It's perhaps just a matter of people losing interest with the brand now that the comic has ended, as will the original TV show soon, combined with the poor quality of the spin-offs as you pointed out. I for one was gaga over TWD when the comic was new (I started at issue #2 off the rack), as a diehard zombie fan, but I eventually lost nearly all interest 100 or so issues in as it became a rinse and repeat series. I'm also in the camp of those who think the TV show was rather lame the first 6-7 seasons, in comparison to the comic. But, from what I can tell, the folks who loved the early seasons dislike the most recent ones, which I think are closer in spirit to the comics. Having said that, I think the lovers of the TV show are the ones who truly drove the prices up, so it would just seem logical that prices will begin a steady decline once they've bailed. But, it could all heat up once again if those Rick movies happen and are successful. Until then though, I see this brand as stale and having overstayed it's welcome. That's just my take as a former fan.

I LOVE the X-Men and I'm always on the lookout for reasonably (they were at the time of purchase) priced big keys. I can use them to trade for other big books, or sell them when the X-MEN appear in the MCU. I'll keep my highest grade copy for myself (maybe). My opinions about the hobby and market have not changed one bit since the discussion in question. Sorry to let the consortium down.

0.4. Really? Wow.

Quite possibly, right? Who really knows? That's the problem.

I agree. I purchased 3 copies of X-MEN #1 during the recent hype period (I just happened to have the cash to do so and was already in the market for them, so...). I'd be losing plenty of $$$ if I were to sell them today, but I have faith it will look like a good decision once the X-MEN/MUTANTS make their MCU appearance. I'm patient. The plan wasn't for a quick flip.

It's something I've been conscious of for well over a decade. I recall getting two copies back of a book (something like a 9.2 and a 9.6) and thinking that the labels were accidentally swapped because the lower grade one looked significantly nicer than the higher one. Ever since then I've had my doubts, given the other mistakes that seem to occur regularly.

THAT is the way to run a transparent business.

What you defined above can sadly be said about most large, profitable companies. Money makes the world go around, and despite the bemoaning of many, I'm willing to bet most will continue to submit. Why? Because CGC is the standard that will get them the greatest return when they sell a book. Hey, I'm just as likely to keep submitting for just this reason, unless they really screw the pooch on my current submissions.

Then it's up to us to cease submitting books and/or go to the competition. Speaking with one's wallet is the most persuasive tool of change.

That seems to be the case (pun intended), right? Otherwise those doing it are incompetent.

This type of negligence from QC is unacceptable. Seriously, how does one let the example pictured above slip through the cracks? The only skill required is the ability to read to notice that the labels have been assigned to the wrong books. What really concerns me though are situations where the labels are mixed up during a submission with multiple copies of the same book. Imagine submitting 10 UF4s for instance with the result consisting of copies graded 9.4-9.8. It's not as easy to identify a 9.8 assigned to the 9.4 of the batch, etc. Mistaken labels are less obvious in that scenario and it really makes a buyer question whether or not they are getting what the label claims. I can understand that type of QC slip up, but not the type where it's the wrong title/issue. I'm truly concerned about my latest submission, as should we all be with our submissions. I'd rather wait another month or two to ensure better QC.

Here we go! https://130point.com/sales/

Yes, there's a similar thread a few pages back with a site that allows you to see actual sold prices. (I keep forgetting to bookmark it...)

Hehe... I was actually going to name my former business Flipper Comics and use a Dolphin as part of my logo.

Right on the money. I agree 100%.

I used to sell LOTS on IG back in the day (3+ years ago), but probably nothing since. So many people selling now that I don't have the energy and time to try and stand out from the crowd anymore. I keep to my own FB page (and local FB pages) as well as some small events.

Ugh. Most likely damaged in transit. Could it be the store you submitted them through did not package them carefully? So sorry.

I'm curious to see how many come out of the woodworks in the upcoming months.

But it must be "rare" in comparison to SA though CA Marvel/DC books, right?

I for one don't care for Ditko Spideys in general. I much prefer his work on monsters, sci-fi, and the supernatural. Give me Romita Sr. Spideys instead any day.

I think it's a terrible cover. The expression on the Watcher's face and his overall body language suggests that someone has reached under his robes and violated him. Not one of Kirby's best in my opinion. It has nothing to do with needing my imagination. I'm glad you appreciate it though!

Darkseid and the Silver Surfer are other major characters in the same boat. And man, FF48 is such a TERRIBLE cover. That's why I love FF50 so much. It's the Surfer's first 'real' cover appearance. Yeah, I know he's on the cover of FF49, but he's kind of lost in the shuffle there.

Yeah, and those of us with one to sell are waiting for someone else to be the auction guinea pig.

Congratulations! One can never regret selling in this hobby, especially if the proceeds went to truly important things, such as those mentioned above.