The $1m Dollar Comic Book Webinar

This was a really great event, actually. Even for old-hands like myself, the webinar provided some great insight. For example, I never really thought about it, but the indicia really is a boon to the field of comic books which almost no other collectible field has. I mean, I certainly use the indicia - quite often, these days - specifically to make sure the issue is not a reprint, and I have used it at least... I would say fewer than 100 times, but close (over the last 25 years, of course), I just never thought of it in this context, really.

Of course, the Is My Comic Book Worth $1m webinar from Comics Buyers Guide was more aimed at those people who heard about the recent $1m+ comics sales and dug-out the box o' comics they had when they were kids, hoping to find a comic that was published in 1930-something. On that level, this was one heck of a webinar! You really couldn't have attended and not learned something, even if that something was that you don't have a comic book worth $1m. Because you do not.

Dork. What did you really expect?

Yes, that was my Uncanny X-Men #94 featured. Unfortunately, my scanner auto-crops things. There probably is some way to stop it from doing so, but I don't know it. The top definitely has some humidity/water damage, but I do have to dispute the assessment; aside from the slight water damage and the minor creasing apparent on the top-right of the cover, as they noted, it is in exquisite condition. I've been doing this for over 20 years, and I have honestly never seen another copy in as good of condition. (I knew exactly what it was when I bought it and the scan I made for them is literally the second time it has ever been out of its Mylar in 17+/- years.) However, this - again, as they said in the webinar - is exactly what makes third-party slabbing and rating such a boon to the hobby. No matter; it isn't for sale.

By the by, I happen to own a few of the comics they featured. Were I not so fearful of thieves, I'd be willing to share more (scans, you vultures, scans!), but I have mentioned that I have one bang-up X-collection. I've mentioned that, haven't I? I've mentioned that.

I also have a dog, a gun, and a safety deposit box. And a scorching case of the herpes.

Well? That's why you call first.

Not to be snide - because a lot of experts and fellow collectors like to say, "I buy comic books to read," and we all know I do, too - but I most certainly do buy comics as an investment, and I've done fairly well, thank you. (Um, as far as collecting them; I have only ever sold a handful.) I can't think of a better way to get a kid to learn the value of a buck - or save his money!

Hell, I'm a 35-year old geek who sometimes gets down to crackers and cheese and tap-water - but I still have a "savings account" which I could sell, for even a fraction of their book value, that would let me fill that cupboard (if things really got tough). So, there's no better way I can think of for a 35-year old man to save his money, either.

I'd like to thank our hosts, Brent Frankenhoff and Maggie Thompson, and commend them on giving a fun, yet truly informative, webinar I could not recommend more highly. You should try to attend the next one, because this one was really worth the price time (it was free)!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010