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n2wdw's Tales of the Comic Book Room
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1,369 posts in this topic

2 hours ago, jimjum12 said:

It's a beautiful book..... but for me, grades of 9.8 and up weigh too heavily on semantics and human perception to be totally valid. Unless they're spending an hour going over the book, which wouldn't be cost effective, those miniscule differences that would separate those tiers are a bit too nebulous to satisfy me. I'm not sure a human being, without the aid of delicate technology, is even capable of distinguishing a 10.0 from something less. That being said, I've seen some sharp 9.8's and I've also seen some real head scratchers. GOD BLESS...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

I agree with you.  I have 9.8s in my collection where I see defects, usually along the spine.  Then I've submitted books that look perfect that get 9.6 or lower.  It's definitely subjective and also subject to evolving standards.  For example, at the moment, I think CGC is tougher on modern books than they were a few years ago.

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35 minutes ago, n2wdw said:

I agree with you.  I have 9.8s in my collection where I see defects, usually along the spine.  Then I've submitted books that look perfect that get 9.6 or lower.  It's definitely subjective and also subject to evolving standards.  For example, at the moment, I think CGC is tougher on modern books than they were a few years ago.

I would imagine it's not an easy job …. if done correctly. Striking a balance between structure and eye appeal makes objectivity almost impossible. I tune into the grading threads from time to time and run across the catch phrases often … for example, "the golden age bump" …. which does not refer to nursing home pornography.... and it makes me realize how complicated the job SHOULD be, A modern comic and a golden age comic are barely even the same thing outside of there similarities in format. A "perfect" golden age book will never look as sharp as a "perfect " modern age book …. It 's like comparing  a bone knife to a Samurai sword …. they probably should be tougher on Moderns.... but not by arbitrarily assigning 9.6's to  textbook 9.8's in an effort to create some semblance of scarcity in perception. GOD BLESS....

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

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On 11/25/2018 at 11:28 AM, jimjum12 said:

I certainly don't fault you for it, brother ….. and a book in 9.4 and up is something I'd be uncomfortable owning raw ….. I think it's pretty cool of you to take the time to share your experiences in this regard....  My slabbing experiences are few.... but I experienced some major disappointments(… as a buyer) with CBCS's grading in the beginning..... they seemed like they were trying to capitalize on their previous reputation and drum up business by handing out gift grades... which was the absolute worse thing they could have done. Things would have played out much differently had they graded tightly out of the gate. Trust me, I think VERY highly about Steve and West.... but what could have been an easy birdie  has turned into one hell of a sand trap now. Personally, I'm confused about the psychology behind CGC's crossover program.... and believe me, it is there...… I guess for now, ignorance will have to be bliss for me. GOD BLESS...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

Yeah, I particularly agree with the part in bold above.  Unfortunately, those of us who trusted their grading at the beginning have taken some significant hits.  I'm willing to accept the view that they've since tightened up, but I still have a bad taste in my mouth from how things were in the beginning.

With respect to the crossover program, my guess is that CGC probably figures that the more CBCS graded books they remove from the market, the less likely CBCS is to gain a foothold.  

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On 11/25/2018 at 11:28 AM, jimjum12 said:

Personally, I'm confused about the psychology behind CGC's crossover program.... and believe me, it is there...… I guess for now, ignorance will have to be bliss for me. GOD BLESS...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

Since (in my secret identity) I'm a lawyer, I can see cut throat behavior, so I know exactly what CGC is doing through its crossover program -- they're going for CBCS's jugular!  (I suspect you do too but you're being polite B|)

But you never know what's going on behind the scenes.  Maybe CBCS is doing well so CGC needs to do this for market share.  I kind of doubt this, though, because at cons I never see people at the CBCS booth.  I'm a CGC loyalist and I don't have any personal ties at CBCS -- but in any case, I'm enjoying watching this play out.

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On 11/25/2018 at 9:55 AM, jimjum12 said:

Oh.... I almost forgot to mention..... I'm mad at you now. 

Because of you, I've started liking Lady Mechanica … as if I can afford to like something new :tonofbricks:

I know how busy you are, but if you get a second, I would love any recommendations on hardcover collections that are especially seminal. GOD BLESS...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

Jim!  Holy cow, I feel like I've pulled you over to the dark side, or convinced you to take a red pill.  But Lady Mechanika does kind of draw you in. 

As far as I know, Benitez has not released any hardcover collections.  So far he's only released trades, and they are collector's items.  Which makes no sense.  He should release a low cost omnibus collection to draw in new readers.

Anyway, here are the collections I've been able to get.  I'm sure I've missed some.  Let me know if you need any individual issues.  You've given me so many great deals in the past, I've got a bunch of reading copies I'd be happy to send to you.

1647653022_LadyMechanikaCollected01SS9_840.jpg.e0d0108a256f1a9163cf4d22a616efd9.jpg267629278_LadyMechanikaCollected1ACGC9_840.thumb.jpg.c149aa4948f56148db5499eca0fc2964.jpg94559449_LadyMechanikaCollected1BCGC9_880.thumb.jpg.7d3bbb369bff90e91b9c8b0e335bba18.jpg110402849_LadyMechanikaCollected2-3RetailerSS9_860.jpg.d9389a4ad7f6c1028bd2fbff43d56927.jpg2061090509_LadyMechanikaCollected2-3SS9_860.jpg.ef529ba15e329d2b710f2877591b9ceb.jpg1498784992_LadyMechanikaLaDamadelaMuertaTPBSS9_820.jpg.056c00753a5a621b5c97e438a9f423c3.jpgLady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerta TPB SS 9.8 $20.jpg

Edited by n2wdw
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13 hours ago, n2wdw said:

Jim!  Holy cow, I feel like I've pulled you over to the dark side, or convinced you to take a red pill.  But Lady Mechanika does kind of draw you in. 

As far as I know, Benitez has not released any hardcover collections.  So far he's only released trades, and they are collector's items.  Which makes no sense.  He should release a low cost omnibus collection to draw in new readers.

Anyway, here are the collections I've been able to get.  I'm sure I've missed some.  Let me know if you need any individual issues.  You've given me so many great deals in the past, I've got a bunch of reading copies I'd be happy to send to you.

1647653022_LadyMechanikaCollected01SS9_840.jpg.e0d0108a256f1a9163cf4d22a616efd9.jpg267629278_LadyMechanikaCollected1ACGC9_840.thumb.jpg.c149aa4948f56148db5499eca0fc2964.jpg94559449_LadyMechanikaCollected1BCGC9_880.thumb.jpg.7d3bbb369bff90e91b9c8b0e335bba18.jpg110402849_LadyMechanikaCollected2-3RetailerSS9_860.jpg.d9389a4ad7f6c1028bd2fbff43d56927.jpg2061090509_LadyMechanikaCollected2-3SS9_860.jpg.ef529ba15e329d2b710f2877591b9ceb.jpg1498784992_LadyMechanikaLaDamadelaMuertaTPBSS9_820.jpg.056c00753a5a621b5c97e438a9f423c3.jpg

 

Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerta TPB SS 9.8 $20.jpg

:cloud9:

… I would love anything you would recommend..... based on your enthusiasm, I snagged an issue offered on "Free Comic Day" …. that's all I have at this point. If you'd like to PM me we could work something out.... maybe some credit on a thread or something.... GOD BLESS....

jimbo(a friend of jesus)(thumbsu

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1 hour ago, n2wdw said:

IMG_2039.thumb.JPG.7d637a74064ec43573582322f8f0324c.JPG

:cloud9:

Nice copy!! I was always curious about Ronnie's 'SinBad' belt???

A lot of the Archie spin off series from the time period have great art and a re very under appreciated. Jughead, the title, has great covers and art and they are, in my opinion, just as undervalued. 

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On 11/27/2018 at 10:55 PM, Patriot6 said:

:cloud9:

Nice copy!! I was always curious about Ronnie's 'SinBad' belt???

A lot of the Archie spin off series from the time period have great art and a re very under appreciated. Jughead, the title, has great covers and art and they are, in my opinion, just as undervalued. 

That's something I like about the cover.  Betty's belt, the pearls, the edging along the collar.  Also Archie's polka dot bow tie and the yellow stripes across Reggie's sweater.  You've got the love triangle going on, with Veronica making eyes at Reggie, and Archie throwing shade at his rival.  So much going on in this cover!

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5 minutes ago, n2wdw said:

That's something I like about the cover.  Betty's belt, the pearls, the edging along the collar.  Also Archie's polka dot bow tie and the yellow stripes across Reggie's sweater.  You've got the love triangle going on, with Veronica making eyes at Reggie, and Archie throwing shade at his rival.  So much going on in this cover!

The only thing missing is Jug beneath the tree ramming burgers down his throat lol

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Here are some other under-appreciated but great Betty and Veronica covers

I've been looking for a nice copy of B&V 42 for a few years now. It's impossible to find a copy where Betty's back bow is all black; instead you always see it with the white sprinkles.

I've always through B&V Annual 7 is similar to the B&V 41.  Which, by the way, I like better than B&V 40 (40 certainly isn't under-appreciated, it's one of the Archie classics, but I include it here for comparison).

1652948953_ArchieGiantSeriesMagazine15CGC4_573.jpg.288716932c193a7fa4a2a9630903d3ce.jpg322672959_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica4214.jpg.0f34e7902a9af679a80f54711762c783.jpg2045837443_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica4628.jpg.9f804a89984f22a389aa68c254fc3322.jpg1043784306_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronicaAnnual785.jpg.8f44c572419917bb7ab1c03e48a9bead.jpg1360260224_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica41CGC4_075.thumb.jpg.21c94fe9ffe5cbc5ded89e159379770d.jpg302918192_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica40CGC6_080.jpg.8b11f9f50fcac64f2ab5fd85a6ac6174.jpg

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6 minutes ago, n2wdw said:

Here are some other under-appreciated but great Betty and Veronica covers

I've been looking for a nice copy of B&V 42 for a few years now. It's impossible to find a copy where Betty's back bow is all black; instead you always see it with the white sprinkles.

I've always through B&V Annual 7 is similar to the B&V 41.  Which, by the way, I like better than B&V 40 (40 certainly isn't under-appreciated, it's one of the Archie classics, but I include it here for comparison).

1652948953_ArchieGiantSeriesMagazine15CGC4_573.jpg.288716932c193a7fa4a2a9630903d3ce.jpg322672959_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica4214.jpg.0f34e7902a9af679a80f54711762c783.jpg2045837443_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica4628.jpg.9f804a89984f22a389aa68c254fc3322.jpg1043784306_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronicaAnnual785.jpg.8f44c572419917bb7ab1c03e48a9bead.jpg1360260224_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica41CGC4_075.thumb.jpg.21c94fe9ffe5cbc5ded89e159379770d.jpg302918192_ArchiesGirlsBettyandVeronica40CGC6_080.jpg.8b11f9f50fcac64f2ab5fd85a6ac6174.jpg

Very nice books. I'm a sucker for the Christmas Stocking issues. Tough to find the early ones in decent shape.

That B&V 40 is great. I know most people think the opposite, but personally I'm not a big 40 fan, I like the 41 better. I see what you mean about the annual, I am going to have to pull my B&V box now and see what I have in there!

I'm a Ronnie fan....

IMG-20180620-WA0002.thumb.jpg.b4d26d37c766ffee8cc8b1605a03e0c8.jpg

One thing I've also always loved about the Archie titles which ties in with GGA art, is the girls that always appear in the background. It isn't always just B&V!!

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19 minutes ago, n2wdw said:

I've been looking for a nice copy of B&V 42 for a few years now.

Youl'' find that there are certain issues, odd issues you wouldn't expect, in Archie world that will elude you forever and ever.

Case and point:

ARC111.thumb.jpg.cbf879621a9624ac6336fd8a23a733ce.jpg

Have been looking for a long time for one that tops this. I've seen some that have been close, but dull in colour.

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ComicLink November 2018

I really wanted this Spirit section last night.  But it closed at $1827!  Wow!  My high bid was only $600 so I greatly undervalued this.  This certainly shows you the multiplier effect of a high grade.

RAD9C9E920181025_165137.thumb.jpg.8c845ddc42aa7c95bcdd04b190112fc9.jpg

 

I did have one win last night, Venus 3.  I got it for $425.  I was also bidding for Venus 8 CGC 7.0.  It closed strong at $1100, more than double my max bid (again showing the power of a higher grade).  I have no regrets over missing out on 8, though, as I like the cover of 3 better.

RADE173B2018118_104130.thumb.jpg.c3e28260679d0d90a9815a94c9d65873.jpg

 

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Big football weekend!  And it's raining outside so I have no excuse but to sit on the sofa and watch TV.  I've got something good going in the crook pot so food is just steps away.  And I've got a lot of auctions closing this weekend.  On top of that, VCC is going on.  So it'll be a couch potato weekend of football and comics.  The weekend started out right when I won this on eBay a few minutes ago:

s-l1600.thumb.jpg.9f5979f1a58e76c24f0e33b80fcd1418.jpg

Edited by n2wdw
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Earlier this week I smoked a big slab of prime rib for dinner.

IMG_7095.thumb.jpg.2b4c9af1ca8b9e95d8098e4c613b14ed.jpg

 

I used the leftovers in the crook pot, with some beans I soaked in water overnight.  I love throwing stuff in the crock pot and seeing what happens after a few hours.  That's probably why I love smoking meat so much.  You go low and slow all day and then you see what happens.

IMG_7097.thumb.jpg.c066f58d72742e1d28cedd4818faffe8.jpg

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