GOAL POSTS, 2021 (post'm, if you dare!)... 4 4

[Tri-Color Brian]

4 minutes ago, Cat-Man_America said:

I used to wonder what golden age was, now it's an affliction... 

I started as a Supe/Bats SA collector in the 60s, but never looked at any of the other DC titles.  Then I got into golden age for a few years, then discovered Spiderman in 1972.  That was my main focus thru the 70s and 80s, and I only returned to golden age in the early 90s.  My wants then wandered thru every genre there is, and I was finally awakened to the DC Sci-fi titles in 2015.  It's been a nightmare since then...

[tabcom]

It is my goal this year to categorize my collection into the GoCollect app.

https://comics.gocollect.com

 

 

Edited January 1, 2021 by tabcom

[D84]

Either restoring or upgrading this.

[Robot Man]

23 hours ago, Cat-Man_America said:

This year has been the most chaotic, depressing and complicated of our lives in every imaginable way.  That's without taking into account the dire consequences of social upheaval and a raging global pandemic which concerns us all.  

From a collecting standpoint my participation in the hobby in 2020 can only be described as occasional spurts of interest followed by longer periods of inactivity. Upon reflection, that incongruity has been very cathartic. Collecting can't obscure one's grief nor contemplation of loss for what seems every waking hour, ...but having something else to focus on helps in overcoming it.  

Let's face it, tragedy, uncertainty and chaos has defined 2020 for most if not all of us.  Rather than dwell on how crappy this year has been on a personal level, I'd rather speculate on positive possible outcomes in spite of it. As a glass half full kind of ale drinker this calls for another round or at least a topped off mug.

In a very real sense, collecting has been a lifeline of sorts, refocusing my attention away from dismay toward achievable goals, and grails. That's the context I prefer for viewing my collecting now and in the future. This thread isn't about the finality of finishing runs, it's about the desirability of individual books and potential for acquisition. This is about our goals for 2021. 

For many collectors completing runs is the primary context of their collecting. Ultimately, collecting for the sake of collecting becomes the goal itself. When that happens more often than not it's a let down, the completist's grand achievement turning from jubilation to apathy or disappointment. It either becomes cyclical or presages finality.  

That just isn't a good place for me.

While I understand the aspirational desire to complete runs of titles, it just isn't the right game goal for me. The idea of filling gaps in runs becomes a tediously restrictive task, more work than fun, not to mention infinitely more difficult in grade. Ambitions are easier to keep in check when the focus is narrower and directed toward specific artists or grail books with interesting art. This doesn't exclude the prospect of runs, it just eliminates them as a goal.

By pursuing comics in this manner it's even possible to exceed expectations, ...and that's the lead-in, after way too much caffeine.  

My final acquisition of 2020 seems the antithesis of a very bad year, and yet it accurately captures the chaotic despair in everyone's life. Like the fictionalized reality of Scott Mackenzie's famous song about San Francisco, the SF pedigree copy of Marvel Mystery #46 reflects both the irony and absurdity of the insane world in which we live...

 

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And a BIG thanks goes out to Timely for both of these grand acquisitions.  

From my perspective there isn't another comic that better exemplifies 2020. Nothing in my imagination surpasses this remarkable book for over-the-top, sardonic wit or nightmarish horror. It's a biting commentary on a world in chaos needing rescue and might even be described as one of the first true underground comics, adding another layer of irony to Alex Schomburg's Hitlerian magnum opus as a visual pun.

The last comic of only a handful of books acquired in '20, MMC #46 is a profound reflection on the malaise I associate with this lousy year.  It also checks every conceivable box in a Timely collector's wheelhouse as a centerpiece book.  

Time doesn't stand still and once this year is finally in the rear-view, who knows what 2021 will bring, ...hopefully greater fortune for everyone! ...Perhaps a shot in the arm, maybe two, followed by tequila and a lime (no worm)!

This can also be your New Year's resolution thread for the entirety of next year.  So, what are your goals for 2021???

A great book to signify this year. I don’t need a mod spanking or upset anyone but this one says a lot to me. 

2020 has been a real wake up call to me from both a personal perspective and a collecting perspective. 

As much as I have loved collecting for 50 years, I have realized that other things are much more important. 

When it is safe, I plan to sell off a lot of stuff that I really can live without, and use the proceeds to take my family on a real nice vacation. When my time comes, I want to be remembered for me and not just a junk hoarder who left them a big burden. I also plan to use more of my energy and time to work more in the community for others especially kids not as fortunate. 

I have realized that I have a huge collection of most everything I really want. There are of course books I would want if money was no object but I can pass on without them. Seems like most of what I buy are either upgrades or just readers anyway. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I am addicted to the thrill of the hunt and love to have a package coming in the mail for something to look forward to. I can’t wait for shows to come back. Making money and acquiring stuff is fun and good, but hanging with my fellow junk buddies and collectors is what I have really missed. 

So, do I have 2021 objectives on certain books? Other than pecking away on my EC collection and the usual upgrading not really. 

During the lockdown, I restored a 1949 Indian Scout. I do plan to find another bike or maybe a vintage truck to restore. Hunting down parts and twisting bolts is very satisfying. 

And Cat, hope you are hanging in. It has been a real rough year but we all need to keep moving forward. The people we lost would want us to...

[Robot Man]

21 hours ago, DocHoppus182 said:

Suspense 3.  
 

 

 

 

But seriously, I want one.

You and me both. Probably my favorite GA book I’ve never owned. But if I got it, I wouldn’t have anything left to look forward to..,

[catrick339]

I only  have one real  collecting goal this year,  Been searching for a loooong  time now,  I'm looking for  a coverless  ACTION 2
with the first  two leaves  in nice  shape,  absolutely any other chaos or mayhem  is  acceptable, even preferred,  just to save some cash.  

I got a  complete cover  wrap several years back in  a big ol' box of parts,  and  have managed since then to get the rest of 
the interior, I just  need those  two outer wraps  to make up a complete copy.  

Most of you  have probably seen  my posts in  "wanted to buy", or  "I wanna get married".  The search still continues.  

In the  event  I  ever  get  the  last two  wraps  the whole thing is off to Matt or Susan to  make it up into  a whole copy,
Purple label be damned,   I  just want the whole comic, 

Here's my cover:

[Robot Man]

4 minutes ago, catrick339 said:

I only  have one real  collecting goal this year,  Been searching for a loooong  time now,  I'm looking for  a coverless  ACTION 2
with the first  two leaves  in nice  shape,  absolutely any other chaos or mayhem  is  acceptable, even preferred,  just to save some cash.  

I got a  complete cover  wrap several years back in  a big ol' box of parts,  and  have managed since then to get the rest of 
the interior, I just  need those  two outer wraps  to make up a complete copy.  

Most of you  have probably seen  my posts in  "wanted to buy", or  "I wanna get married".  The search still continues.  

In the  event  I  ever  get  the  last two  wraps  the whole thing is off to Matt or Susan to  make it up into  a whole copy,
Purple label be damned,   I  just want the whole comic, 

Here's my cover:

I know. A lofty but possible goal. I have a few parts books that I would love to complete myself. I recently completed a Mystery Men #28. I have owned it for over 35 years. I still have that New Adventure surfing cover I got from you from that same collection. I wanted it for the cover anyway and really don’t care if I ever complete it. 

[batman_fan]

1 hour ago, D84 said:

Either restoring or upgrading this.

I would definitely go the upgrade path.  Restoring that copy would be crazy expensive.  It is a great book to own !

[batman_fan]

There aren't a ton of Golden Age books I am actively looking for and the ones I am interested in have gotten to expensive for me but I will be watching for the right copy of:

All Winners 1 (comes up often and not super expensive relative to other Timely's)

Sub-Mariner 1 (may have gotten too expensive for me)

Batman 4 (still sort of regret not going harder for the CLINK copy a little while back)

Batman 18 in the 6.5 to 8.0 range

 

[D84]

1 hour ago, batman_fan said:

I would definitely go the upgrade path.  Restoring that copy would be crazy expensive.  It is a great book to own !

I'll probably go with upgrading and keep both. I'm pretty sure I own the worst complete copy out there.

[catrick339]

10 hours ago, Robot Man said:

I know. A lofty but possible goal. I have a few parts books that I would love to complete myself. I recently completed a Mystery Men #28. I have owned it for over 35 years. I still have that New Adventure surfing cover I got from you from that same collection. I wanted it for the cover anyway and really don’t care if I ever complete it. 

I hung onto  a  complete  wrap for  World's Finest 2 for  YEARS with nary a whiff of a coverless copy, finally  sold it last year, 
and lo and behold,  I just traded  some   early Thor  JIM's for  a complete WF 2 and an Archie's Madhouse 22.
All Things Come To Rick...eventually,

 

[Cat-Man_America]

53 minutes ago, catrick339 said:

I hung onto  a  complete  wrap for  World's Finest 2 for  YEARS with nary a whiff of a coverless copy, finally  sold it last year, 
and lo and behold,  I just traded  some   early Thor  JIM's for  a complete WF 2 and an Archie's Madhouse 22.
All Things Come To Rick...eventually,

 

Well, as they say in the film biz, ...that's a wrap! 

[Mmehdy]

On 1/1/2021 at 10:07 AM, batman_fan said:

There aren't a ton of Golden Age books I am actively looking for and the ones I am interested in have gotten to expensive for me but I will be watching for the right copy of:

All Winners 1 (comes up often and not super expensive relative to other Timely's)

Sub-Mariner 1 (may have gotten too expensive for me)

Batman 4 (still sort of regret not going harder for the CLINK copy a little while back)

Batman 18 in the 6.5 to 8.0 range

 

All Winners #1 is a great choice as in the early days it was a very valuable book, it seems to have been lost over the years and with the SK Captain America, along with #2 I think those books have very bright future ahead given the record prices we will be seeing for Cap #1 in 2020...keep an eye for #2 also

[Cat-Man_America]

On 1/2/2021 at 12:37 PM, Mmehdy said:

All Winners #1 is a great choice as in the early days it was a very valuable book, it seems to have been lost over the years and with the SK Captain America, along with #2 I think those books have very bright future ahead given the record prices we will be seeing for Cap #1 in 2020...keep an eye for #2 also

Pretty astute observations on keys and where they appear to be headed.  Agree that Timely S&K seem to have limitless potential.   

Personally, my focus will likely be to zero in on books with phenomenal cover art (Lou Fine HITs, Jack Binder Prizes, etc.).  First issue keys are great bragging rights books, but tougher to acquire in grade ...not that I'd shy away from opportunities given the right situation.  But objectively, high grade keys also limit the number of books one can collect if budgeting purchases.  Keeping options open is the real key.  Just my (non-refundable) 2 cents.

  

[Professor K]

I've decided to seek out a few restored copies, preferably slight A's , of a few books I've always wanted but really can't afford as Blue labels.

An early Spectre, Pre Robin Bat, early Sandman, is where I'd like to start. Plus upgrade a few Silver/early Bronze books I have. I used to really ignore restored books but since I got a Purple Action 23 I kind of changed my feelings when it comes to restored GA keys and rare books as long as they aren't trimmed. When people ask "Why is the label purple" I say oh that's nothing hahaha.

Edited January 10, 2021 by Professor Chaos
spelling correction

[Mr.Fantastic]

Hey, fairly new here, and just got back into comic collecting.  One thing that has always drawn me into comics was the unbelievable art covers some of these magazines have. I have always been drawn to other ephemera from the pre-war, WWII era, as I think you just don't see those kinds of colors in todays printing anymore. In my previous comic collecting experience I really never focused on anything, but recently the Golden Age era of comics has reinvigorated me and I am focusing on collecting covers that I really like.  At this moment Schomburg is my favorite, so plans are to collect my favorite Schomburg covers.

[Cat-Man_America]

4 hours ago, Mr.Fantastic said:

Hey, fairly new here, and just got back into comic collecting.  One thing that has always drawn me into comics was the unbelievable art covers some of these magazines have. I have always been drawn to other ephemera from the pre-war, WWII era, as I think you just don't see those kinds of colors in todays printing anymore. In my previous comic collecting experience I really never focused on anything, but recently the Golden Age era of comics has reinvigorated me and I am focusing on collecting covers that I really like.  At this moment Schomburg is my favorite, so plans are to collect my favorite Schomburg covers.

You'll have loads of fun scrolling through the Timely thread. 

Spoiler

Here's the cover of Marvel Mystery #66 recreated by Alex Schomburg, a favorite of mine...

[Mr.Fantastic]

2 minutes ago, Cat-Man_America said:

You'll have loads of fun scrolling through the Timely thread. 

  Reveal hidden contents

Here's the cover of Marvel Mystery #66 recreated by Alex Schomburg, a favorite of mine...

Absolutely! It's one of my favorites.  I go there from time to time just to  drool.  

[Cat-Man_America]

March approaches, so pursuant to new acquisitions and declarations of 2021 goals this thread seems ideally suited for a bump... 

[piper]

I think 2021 should be the year that I finish my Frazetta Famous Funnies run.  I see high grade copies and uber low grade copies but a mid grade 216 alludes me.

I’d also like to pick up an All Select 11.