BRZRKR #1 1:1000 1 1

[DELTA 62]

25 minutes ago, revat said:

First of all, thanks for posting.

Secondly, this is all shocking news, I'm sure its gotta be the first time any of this has happened with any limited comic.  Which is why no one could possibly have presented these incredibly plausible theories prior to these posts.  Who could have guessed that there's many different types of collectors and dealers, with various collection goals, profit goals, business models, financial situations, and varying opinions on CGC, all of which might be fluid based on the cost, liquidity, and realizeable sale price of a comic.  And who could have guessed that comic book creators and executives might get extra copies as terms of their contracts and that those specific numbers might not be released to the public for any number of reasons and a certainly not part of advertising material.

And why would anyone think these variable (and relatively unknowable specific)  uncertainties would make it irresponsible to claim rumor, speculation, and faulty logic as fact especially when any seemingly small difference could be a difference of 5-50% of the total, which could potentially have a HUGE impact on rarity and therefore price?

If only some experienced board members had posted some of these items previously to help negate obviously false assumptions being spread as fact.

If only indeed...

[DELTA 62]

10 hours ago, Joel Elad said:

After reading 7 pages of this back and forth, I was hesitant to jump into the fray given the nature of replies. However, since I actually have the facts and don't need conjecture, let me provide everyone with some information that you can take or ignore...

First, some background info that has been repeated in responses but I want to repeat here: Knowing the initial order number and then dividing it by the incentive amount (620,000/1,000) does NOT give you the print run number. It only gives you the THEORETICAL MAXIMUM NUMBER of copies that the publisher would need to print to cover the promised incentive. Many stores did not order anywhere NEAR 1,000 copies. Some stores ordered more than 1,000 copies, but given the amount of Diamond accounts and the number of people that qualified, you will RARELY get the theoretical maximum. It is also STANDARD PRACTICE for a publisher to print more than the "needed amount" in case of damages. Publishers also have contracts with their creative talent, and their publishing partners, etc, and many times those contracts will include a clause where complimentary (aka "comp") copies are to be provided to said parties.

Let me state clearly: I AM NOT AN EMPLOYEE OF BOOM! STUDIOS. I HAVE NO INSIDE KNOWLEDGE INTO THE TOTAL PRINT RUN OR ANY OTHER CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION REGARDING COPIES OF THIS BOOK, COMP COPIES, ETC.

That said, here are the facts:

1. Retailers were contacted by BOOM about whether they wanted raw copies or if they wanted to get their copy(ies) graded by CGC. While I know at least one boardie will be SHOCKED by this response, not every retailer actively chose to get their copy(ies) CGC graded. In some cases, the retailer wanted to keep the copy for their personal collection and they don't necessarily like CGC grading. In some cases, a customer pre-ordered the incentive from the retailer and the customer decided NOT to get it graded, due to the extra cost and/or their desire to own the book raw as well. There are other reasons as well, and in some cases, retailers did not properly notify BOOM in the timeframe given and received raw copies instead of getting it graded. I am not interested in writing paragraphs about all the different scenarios out there.

2. Retailers who elected to get their copy(ies) graded by CGC worked with me to pick a grading level, return shipping method, etc, to get their books graded. Since I do believe the CGC census will provide a mostly accurate count, I am happy to share the fact that I transported 381 signed copies to CGC on behalf of retailers in the US and abroad to get Keanu Reeves Signature Series grading. Jonboy Meyers has received his comp copies which, as the article states, he is selling for charity and he has worked out a deal with CGC that those copies will qualify as a Direct Artist Submission, so expect up to 10 additional copies that will be in the Signature Series category but will only have Jonboy's signature. Now, to be clear, there are other copies out there, and that number may grow, but understand that there are a NUMBER of people who can sign this comic, including Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, inker, colorist, letterer, editor, Jonboy, or anyone associated with this franchise.

3. The observation regarding the 9.4 Signature Series comic on eBay from late March has, IN MY OPINION, been misinterpreted. The seller, not knowing what grade he would end up getting, was simply offering a MINIMUM of 9.4 for the winner of the item. Since that seller listed 10 copies eventually, I think it's safe to say that he got more than 1 copy graded, meaning he ordered more than 1,000 copies. This seller assumed (or took the risk) that his copies would come back 9.4 or higher so he could fulfill the presale at his stated terms. He wasn't automatically selling a 9.4 copy. I hope this explanation makes sense. (To be fair, I'm not watching eBay like a hawk. If you were referring to an eBay auction that had an actual photo of the graded copy and it showed the 9.4 grade, then my apologies. I am referring to an eBay listing I saw where the seller was 'preselling' at least a 9.4 copy or better.)

4. Some of the raw copies being sold by retailers on eBay are copies that the retailer thought were pre-sold to a customer, only to find out when the book arrived, the customer backed out of the deal, so they went ahead and put it on eBay to recoup costs. Some copies are being sold raw because the store didn't or wasn't able to elect for CGC grading in time. And, I know this is a shock, but I personally spoke to at least 1 retailer who simply didn't want CGC touching their book. I know it's hard to believe, but there are some people out there with negative experiences of CGC that cause them to avoid CGC, even if it's "an easy flip for 100% more." Everyone is free to their opinions and conjecture, but this paragraph contains only a few examples of the ACTUAL COMMUNICATION I have had with retailers around the world. I am not interested in divulging actual names and examples, so as I said earlier, take this info or ignore/argue against it, it's your choice.

5. As far as the process went, I met with BOOM's witness directly in Los Angeles to take possession of the books to minimize any potential shipping damage. Given the high value of this merchandise, I elected to drive the books cross-country to CGC's facility in Sarasota, Florida, to help make sure every copy got the highest grade possible. For four days, the books never left their short boxes, were always guarded and well protected to avoid damage. I can also tell you that every copy was window bagged before Keanu signed them, and Keanu was careful with them. (I was not there, but heard that from the witness.) They were transferred to regular bags/boards, I took possession of the copies bound for CGC, and those copies didn't leave their bags/boards until CGC started to grade them. Given the high number of 9.8 copies, I am happy all these extra precautions were taken so most retailers can receive a 9.8 copy to keep or sell. As mentioned before, there are still copies to complete the grading process, but I am eagerly watching the grades like everyone else.

I cannot guarantee that I will keep an eye on this thread to answer future questions, and if it's anyone's goal to argue with me or nit-pick or anything like that, I have zero interest to indulge you. I am simply interested in providing some facts for the interested parties out there. If you're waiting for your copy, good luck, I hope that you'll get a 9.8 and will love and treasure your copy for all time!

Oh, one final thing: As for the OP, yeah if Keanu agrees to a paid private signing, I think the value of these 1:1000 signed books could go down, as people will probably choose to get John Wick photo covers, Bill & Ted, or other comics to get signed. Then again, if the movie and/or anime series is a hit, this book could go UP in value, as there's only 400-ish copies of this book, vs hundreds of thousands of regular copies available. In the end, everyone can theorize, but it's truly hard to say.

Joel

Joel, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to explain all of this!  Thank you so much for sharing the information! 

[WoWitHurts]

Is there a $4 version?

[god503]

1 hour ago, revat said:

First of all, thanks for posting.

Secondly, this is all shocking news, I'm sure its gotta be the first time any of this has happened with any limited comic.  Which is why no one could possibly have presented these incredibly plausible theories prior to these posts.  Who could have guessed that there's many different types of collectors and dealers, with various collection goals, profit goals, business models, financial situations, and varying opinions on CGC, all of which might be fluid based on the cost, liquidity, and realizeable sale price of a comic.  And who could have guessed that comic book creators and executives might get extra copies as terms of their contracts and that those specific numbers might not be released to the public for any number of reasons and a certainly not part of advertising material.

And why would anyone think these variable (and relatively unknowable specific)  uncertainties would make it irresponsible to claim rumor, speculation, and faulty logic as fact especially when any seemingly small difference could be a difference of 5-50% of the total, which could potentially have a HUGE impact on rarity and therefore price?

If only some experienced board members had posted some of these items previously to help negate obviously false assumptions being spread as fact.

And to think if we can only wait to hear from people who have the inside knowledge on everything then there would be no need for a chat board to discuss people's opinion.  Then all we need is a weekly newsletter and we can total not engage with other human beings and just live in our own bubble.   Which leaves the only thing left is to verify people like Joel to see if they are really who they claim to be...    

Edited April 12, 2021 by god503

[god503]

1 hour ago, DELTA 62 said:

If only indeed...

Funny coming from the person who started the initial back an forth...  

[Otter1775]

Good evening to all fellow comic book collectors/enthusiasts, just arrived today thankfully. Interestingly enough, the package was dropped without a signature required. 

[Otter1775]

Thank you, Revat.