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| X-O Manowar Compendium |
© The Weirding, 2018
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
Showing posts with label collectibles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collectibles. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Expanding my Buffy Collection
Most of the titles I collect are based on the character(s) -- Daredevil, Elektra, Green Arrow... Others are based on the artists or creators, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer is just a great, fun... thing. While I love The Slayer, it's not just her that makes Buffy so great -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer was its own thing, and it transcended both its movie and TV origins.
Many of the characters I follow are rather dark and gritty, so Buffy is a nice change of pace from the vengeful vigilantes and anti-heroes I usually collect, and has a range of toys, games, comics, and other stuff to collect. That's actually one of the reasons I've chosen to focus more on Buffy memorabilia. It has nothing to do with nostalgia, just a love for the show and characters, and something to do to pass the time.
Most recently, I picked up a copy of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer RPG Core Rulebook from Eden Studios. It's a copiously-illustrated hardback that looks pretty exciting. Collecting the OOP series will be expensive, but doable, and nothing I need immediately.
I also discovered a cache of TPB outside of the ongoing Dark Horse series for a fair price. In fact, most of the Buffy stuff I've come across is relatively affordable and available -- another reason I decided to invest more in it. I do not expect the majority of these items to appreciate significantly in value any time soon (or possibly ever, as most of them are common), but they'll make a nice "humblebrag" conversation piece, and fun to acquire.
I'm actually looking to upgrade a lot of my collections, so I may have some auctions to promote eventually.
© The Weirding, 2016
Many of the characters I follow are rather dark and gritty, so Buffy is a nice change of pace from the vengeful vigilantes and anti-heroes I usually collect, and has a range of toys, games, comics, and other stuff to collect. That's actually one of the reasons I've chosen to focus more on Buffy memorabilia. It has nothing to do with nostalgia, just a love for the show and characters, and something to do to pass the time.
Most recently, I picked up a copy of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer RPG Core Rulebook from Eden Studios. It's a copiously-illustrated hardback that looks pretty exciting. Collecting the OOP series will be expensive, but doable, and nothing I need immediately.
I also discovered a cache of TPB outside of the ongoing Dark Horse series for a fair price. In fact, most of the Buffy stuff I've come across is relatively affordable and available -- another reason I decided to invest more in it. I do not expect the majority of these items to appreciate significantly in value any time soon (or possibly ever, as most of them are common), but they'll make a nice "humblebrag" conversation piece, and fun to acquire.
I'm actually looking to upgrade a lot of my collections, so I may have some auctions to promote eventually.
© The Weirding, 2016
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Your Comics Collection is Worthless
I should make a series entitled "I Told You So" but that seems a little overly aggressive and snide. Anyway, a recent Businessweek article confirmed what I, and many others (apparently), have been saying for some time now: That your prized comic book collection - the one you'd hoped would pay for your home remodeling project one day, or whatever - is probably worthless.
The article gives a few reasons this is true but shies away from the real reason: The industry literally devalued them to change the way they pay authors. For the most part, comic books are considered "work for hire" and creators receive a one-time payment. However, creators are now receiving residuals for their works, especially for reprints. Furthermore, a lot of the comics that were once considered so rare have been reprinted so often that they are no longer "rare" (a point the article does mention).
But do not fret! The comics market has always been unstable. It's certainly far more stable than the stock market or many other investments but comics' values have always fluctuated. For the most part, they tend to be pretty solid; once a comic hits, say, $100 in value, it rarely dips below that although it may never rise higher. Again, this is not always true; several comic books that were once worth a small fortune can now be had at a sliver of their former going-price and this has a lot to do with the popularity of the character(s), the title, the creator(s) involved, and so forth.
The best example of this would be Ghost Rider in the 1990s. I suppose many readers are too young to remember what a mega-hit that series was in its time and prices for both the new and old series soared. Now most of those issues can be had for a fraction of the 1990's prices.
I guess I'm fairly lucky in that I definitely have a dozen or so high-dollar comics in my collection of thousands but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I've been less than enthused about the going price of most of my collection.
© C Harris Lynn, 2013
The article gives a few reasons this is true but shies away from the real reason: The industry literally devalued them to change the way they pay authors. For the most part, comic books are considered "work for hire" and creators receive a one-time payment. However, creators are now receiving residuals for their works, especially for reprints. Furthermore, a lot of the comics that were once considered so rare have been reprinted so often that they are no longer "rare" (a point the article does mention).
But do not fret! The comics market has always been unstable. It's certainly far more stable than the stock market or many other investments but comics' values have always fluctuated. For the most part, they tend to be pretty solid; once a comic hits, say, $100 in value, it rarely dips below that although it may never rise higher. Again, this is not always true; several comic books that were once worth a small fortune can now be had at a sliver of their former going-price and this has a lot to do with the popularity of the character(s), the title, the creator(s) involved, and so forth.
The best example of this would be Ghost Rider in the 1990s. I suppose many readers are too young to remember what a mega-hit that series was in its time and prices for both the new and old series soared. Now most of those issues can be had for a fraction of the 1990's prices.
I guess I'm fairly lucky in that I definitely have a dozen or so high-dollar comics in my collection of thousands but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I've been less than enthused about the going price of most of my collection.
© C Harris Lynn, 2013
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Boxes and Boxes of Comics
I have my comics orders set to ship after $100. This used to be weekly - if you'll remember the crankiness inspired by Siege - but because I got tired of the gimmicks and cash-sucking bullshit the publishers keep playing, it's now more like once every two or three months. For that reason, I am once again behind the times on my comics reading. (This is also why I avoid other comics blogs - I hate spoilers.)
I have had to fashion boxes from duct tape just to contain all my new comics, but I am slowly getting through them. Not reading them, mind you, just organizing them so that I can read them at some point. It's a really big job.
This is part of the fun of collecting though. Going through my comics, seeing what I have, deciding which box they are best suited for, and bagging and boarding them - this is part of the fun! However, because comic books are worth so little these days thanks to the publishers' success at devaluing them (so they can collect them into TPB instead), it's less fun than it is a job. And I, like most people, don't enjoy working as much as I enjoy things like collecting comic books.
I literally just gave-up on the X-titles. There were so many "Part 3 of 6" -type situations involving so many titles that there was no way to keep them in any semblance of order, so I just started dumping them into boxes. I have about four of them now - four boxes of nothing but unorganized X-titles I will never read. After 20+ years of collecting them, I canceled all my X-subscriptions and will not be returning.
I receive my comics already bagged. They are then placed in magazine bags according to date of shipment, so all my comics from week 2 are in the same large bag. I remove them all, tape them up, and store them singly. The exception is limited series, which I bag singly then bag into the larger carriers and tape together.
I have also used duct tape to create storage boxes from the shipping boxes. This has helped immensely and since all the comics are bagged singly, I'm not worried about damage from the tape.
Anyway, I'm literally up to my neck in comics right now, and if I come across anything really fun or interesting, I'll let you know.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
I have had to fashion boxes from duct tape just to contain all my new comics, but I am slowly getting through them. Not reading them, mind you, just organizing them so that I can read them at some point. It's a really big job.
This is part of the fun of collecting though. Going through my comics, seeing what I have, deciding which box they are best suited for, and bagging and boarding them - this is part of the fun! However, because comic books are worth so little these days thanks to the publishers' success at devaluing them (so they can collect them into TPB instead), it's less fun than it is a job. And I, like most people, don't enjoy working as much as I enjoy things like collecting comic books.
I literally just gave-up on the X-titles. There were so many "Part 3 of 6" -type situations involving so many titles that there was no way to keep them in any semblance of order, so I just started dumping them into boxes. I have about four of them now - four boxes of nothing but unorganized X-titles I will never read. After 20+ years of collecting them, I canceled all my X-subscriptions and will not be returning.
I receive my comics already bagged. They are then placed in magazine bags according to date of shipment, so all my comics from week 2 are in the same large bag. I remove them all, tape them up, and store them singly. The exception is limited series, which I bag singly then bag into the larger carriers and tape together.
I have also used duct tape to create storage boxes from the shipping boxes. This has helped immensely and since all the comics are bagged singly, I'm not worried about damage from the tape.
Anyway, I'm literally up to my neck in comics right now, and if I come across anything really fun or interesting, I'll let you know.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Uncanny X-Men #524 - WonderCon Variant
Marvel is proud to announce that to commemorate their first appearance as an exhibitor at WonderCon, they will be producing an exclusive Uncanny X-Men #534 WonderCon variant! Featuring some of the most popular X-Men, this beautiful cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli, created specifically for this San Francisco-based convention, will only be available for sale at the Marvel Booth (#801) while supplies last!Marvel will be arriving in full force at WonderCon in San Francisco, April 1-3, with a big booth (#801), wide array of panels, can’t-miss announcements, giveaways and more! This is the first time that the House of Ideas is exhibiting at the convention and we’re breaking out the big news and big guests!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Amazing Fantasy #15 Sells for $1.1 million
A 9.6 (NM) copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, the comic book in which Spider-Man makes his first appearance, sold for $1.1 million in a private sale over ComicConnect.com. Spidey joins Superman and Batman in the $1 million club, as copies of their first appearances sold for over $1 million recently.
Some experts say this is good for the market, though back issue prices have fallen in recent months. Of course, comic books at these prices are collectibles - bonafide pop-cultural artifacts - and you can be sure these are as much financial investments as anything else. The collectibles market remains strong, but this may have a positive effect on the comics market itself.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Some experts say this is good for the market, though back issue prices have fallen in recent months. Of course, comic books at these prices are collectibles - bonafide pop-cultural artifacts - and you can be sure these are as much financial investments as anything else. The collectibles market remains strong, but this may have a positive effect on the comics market itself.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Donald Duck Model Sheet Sets Auction Record
Hake's Americana & Collectibles set a record for the sale of their first Disney animation model sheet; the Donald Duck 9.5 x 12"model sheet sold for $75,000. It is the first known appearance of Donald Duck, made in advance of 1934's "The Wise Little Hen." The July, 2008 sale has yet to be topped, though the appreciation of "Disneyana" has barely diminished in the convening years. The economy, however, has not been as kind.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
'Lost' Detective Comics #27 Proofs Up for Auction
Detective Comics #27 contains the first appearance of the Bat-Man, who would later become the Dark Knight of Gotham. For years, fans assumed the original art for the issue had been lost or destroyed, and it may well have been, but one lucky junker found what may be the only surviving proofs from the issue that introduced the world to Batman.
Mario Sacripante rescued a steam trunk from the curb outside his apartment builduing in 1975. He learned later that Batman artist and creator, Bob Kane, had once lived in the building. The trunk contained the proofs, as well as sketchbooks, and more. All items are up for auction.
A copy of Detective Comics #27 recently sold for over $1 million. These proofs are expected to fetch about $1000 per page, but that price could well skyrocket. At the time of this writing, Internet bidding is closed at $1100. The auction is today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Mario Sacripante rescued a steam trunk from the curb outside his apartment builduing in 1975. He learned later that Batman artist and creator, Bob Kane, had once lived in the building. The trunk contained the proofs, as well as sketchbooks, and more. All items are up for auction.
A copy of Detective Comics #27 recently sold for over $1 million. These proofs are expected to fetch about $1000 per page, but that price could well skyrocket. At the time of this writing, Internet bidding is closed at $1100. The auction is today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
'Found' Crumb Art Going to Auction
A "lost" sketchbook diary of Robert Crumb's is set for auction the weekend of March 4-6th, 2011.
The iconic counterculture artist was best known for his album cover work for bands like Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Grateful Dead for the first half of his career; later, R. Crumb became known best for his underground comics. Ralph Bakshi based his film, Fritz the Cat, on several of his comics (Crumb did not like the movie).
The sketchbook is the main draw amongst several pop-culture lots, including Marvel and DC comics, animation, and Disney memorabilia.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The iconic counterculture artist was best known for his album cover work for bands like Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Grateful Dead for the first half of his career; later, R. Crumb became known best for his underground comics. Ralph Bakshi based his film, Fritz the Cat, on several of his comics (Crumb did not like the movie).
The sketchbook is the main draw amongst several pop-culture lots, including Marvel and DC comics, animation, and Disney memorabilia.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Batmobile Sells for $12,000
A model of the Batmobile featured in the 1989 classic, Batman, sold at auction for $12,000 on January 22nd, 2011. The Batmobile was built on a 1985 Corvette chassis with a Corvette engine and was used in the Tim Burton movie. It was expected to fetch between $5000 and $10,000.
The Batmobile was the big draw of the hundreds of lots offered as part of the American Superhero Museum sale. Sadly, the American Superhero Museum closed its doors, and sold-off its inventory. It was open less than five years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The Batmobile was the big draw of the hundreds of lots offered as part of the American Superhero Museum sale. Sadly, the American Superhero Museum closed its doors, and sold-off its inventory. It was open less than five years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, November 26, 2010
In Defense of Collecting Comic Books
The hobby of collecting comic books has always been infested with snobs. This "stereotype" is so typical to the pastime that it even spawned a well-known pop-culture... anti-hero (of sorts): The Simpsons' Comic Book Guy. But the stereotype exists for a reason. These are the people who literally decided that Watchmen was "the best story ever told in comics," even though it clearly is not.
Some of the most vocal have delusions of grandeur and consider themselves gatekeepers to the Great Nerdity of Comicdom, but ambassadors they are not. There are a lot of them, but they are not entirely representative of the comic book collecting community. Their criticism, outlooks, and opinions weigh very heavily to them, and I allow them that. After all, these people have spent their lives in pursuit of... something, regardless of how frivolous others may consider that pursuit, and they are indisputably knowledgeable in many regards. Unfortunately, most of them attempt to use that knowledge more to dictate than educate.
That collecting comics should find such disfavor is slightly mind-boggling. Were it not for the collectors, comic books would have been among the first print lines to fold in recent years. The scarcity and immediacy of pulling your comics before they sell-out is a major marketing ploy, and has been for 20+ years, but it is based on a solid principle: Collectors want to get a copy of an issue before it goes into another printing because first-printings are traditionally worth more. Now, I completely agree with bucking the marketing gimmick, but the baby shouldn't be thrown-out with the bathwater. Babies should not be thrown, at all.
As a comic book kid, I managed to avoid more trouble than I should have -- I got into more than enough trouble to know -- largely because of my comic book collection. Not only was it a constant source of entertainment, I spent time organizing and maintaining it, and I spent most of my money expanding it; it was a hobby, a responsibility, and a source of pride, and something I preferred doing to getting into trouble. It has also brought me some much-needed cash from time to time.
There's an excitement that comes with the hunt of a much-wanted issue. It can be easy to lose one's head, depending on your desire, but even when you pay too much or the value crashes, there's a sense of satisfaction just from the kill -- from filling that hole in your collection. Comic books tend to hold their value, to some degree, throughout the years. Values are often cyclical (with a few notable exceptions), and dependent on all sorts of market factors (popularity of characters, creators, storylines, etc.), but a comic's peak value should always be averaged into the current market value when determining asking price.
In some sense, if you love comic books, it's a "safe" gamble: You may lose, but it's rarely a total loss. Except that there's a story for just about every "big" issue in your collection, which is the real caveat to collecting: Personal investment and sentimental value. Hobbies are healthy and fun. You learn a lot from them, and they help you pass the time, and can sometimes provide a secondary income. Collecting comics is also inherent to the industry.
There is no need to "support" an industry that can support itself. The cognoscenti are the ones knocking collecting as investing, and the only forward "planning" they've suggested is tighter reins on online piracy and more money from fans. The creators most certainly do deserve more return, as well as better protection against theft, but the collectors' market already provides this.
Collectors don't care to read a pirated scan; we are looking for the first-printing sketch variant, preferably autographed. A creator can make a lot of money working his/her own wares online, at cons, store signings, and other events. Creators need to expand into a secondary career built around the resell of their own product -- avail themselves of the collectors' market. The Web makes all of this 1000x easier while simultaneously improving reach by a similar value, yet too few creators are using it -- hoping instead to land that movie, toy, or franchise deal that's going to get them invited to Brangelina's Christmastime orphan safari.
This overwrought "intellectualism" of selling ideas is bullshit; comic books are cheap, but very physical, products that can be sold... like comic books. In addition to swag, originals, commissions, online work, and more, the sale of the very product on which his or her name appears is yet another, viable income stream for creators.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Some of the most vocal have delusions of grandeur and consider themselves gatekeepers to the Great Nerdity of Comicdom, but ambassadors they are not. There are a lot of them, but they are not entirely representative of the comic book collecting community. Their criticism, outlooks, and opinions weigh very heavily to them, and I allow them that. After all, these people have spent their lives in pursuit of... something, regardless of how frivolous others may consider that pursuit, and they are indisputably knowledgeable in many regards. Unfortunately, most of them attempt to use that knowledge more to dictate than educate.
That collecting comics should find such disfavor is slightly mind-boggling. Were it not for the collectors, comic books would have been among the first print lines to fold in recent years. The scarcity and immediacy of pulling your comics before they sell-out is a major marketing ploy, and has been for 20+ years, but it is based on a solid principle: Collectors want to get a copy of an issue before it goes into another printing because first-printings are traditionally worth more. Now, I completely agree with bucking the marketing gimmick, but the baby shouldn't be thrown-out with the bathwater. Babies should not be thrown, at all.
As a comic book kid, I managed to avoid more trouble than I should have -- I got into more than enough trouble to know -- largely because of my comic book collection. Not only was it a constant source of entertainment, I spent time organizing and maintaining it, and I spent most of my money expanding it; it was a hobby, a responsibility, and a source of pride, and something I preferred doing to getting into trouble. It has also brought me some much-needed cash from time to time.
There's an excitement that comes with the hunt of a much-wanted issue. It can be easy to lose one's head, depending on your desire, but even when you pay too much or the value crashes, there's a sense of satisfaction just from the kill -- from filling that hole in your collection. Comic books tend to hold their value, to some degree, throughout the years. Values are often cyclical (with a few notable exceptions), and dependent on all sorts of market factors (popularity of characters, creators, storylines, etc.), but a comic's peak value should always be averaged into the current market value when determining asking price.
In some sense, if you love comic books, it's a "safe" gamble: You may lose, but it's rarely a total loss. Except that there's a story for just about every "big" issue in your collection, which is the real caveat to collecting: Personal investment and sentimental value. Hobbies are healthy and fun. You learn a lot from them, and they help you pass the time, and can sometimes provide a secondary income. Collecting comics is also inherent to the industry.
There is no need to "support" an industry that can support itself. The cognoscenti are the ones knocking collecting as investing, and the only forward "planning" they've suggested is tighter reins on online piracy and more money from fans. The creators most certainly do deserve more return, as well as better protection against theft, but the collectors' market already provides this.
Collectors don't care to read a pirated scan; we are looking for the first-printing sketch variant, preferably autographed. A creator can make a lot of money working his/her own wares online, at cons, store signings, and other events. Creators need to expand into a secondary career built around the resell of their own product -- avail themselves of the collectors' market. The Web makes all of this 1000x easier while simultaneously improving reach by a similar value, yet too few creators are using it -- hoping instead to land that movie, toy, or franchise deal that's going to get them invited to Brangelina's Christmastime orphan safari.
This overwrought "intellectualism" of selling ideas is bullshit; comic books are cheap, but very physical, products that can be sold... like comic books. In addition to swag, originals, commissions, online work, and more, the sale of the very product on which his or her name appears is yet another, viable income stream for creators.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Action Comics #1 G- 1.8 Current Bid: $78,000
A copy of Action Comics #1 in low-end "Good" condition is currently bidding at $78,000 (1:15p, CST) at ComicConnect. The picture shows a comic book with just about every imaginable defect one could conceive -- water and smoke damage, tape and ink on the front cover, a spine which appears to be split down the entire length of the magazine, you name it. Were you to unseal the slab, a Berni Wrightsonesque cloud of funk would strangle you to death on the spot.
With about 10 days left, the sale of this G- 1.8 CGC Action Comics #1 will be a key factor in determining the current comics value market.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
With about 10 days left, the sale of this G- 1.8 CGC Action Comics #1 will be a key factor in determining the current comics value market.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
On Collectibles: Comics - Using Comic Book Realm to Track Value
Comic Book Realm is a donation-based comic book site offering many services you would otherwise have to pay for, such as inventory and value tracking. But the interface is very basic, bulky, and counter-intuitive. This is a brief attempt to walk you through the process, then leave you to your own devices to figure out the details.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
- Login
- -> My Realm
- Beneath the Donate button, you will see a link that says "Manage Piles." It sounds gross, but click it anyway; "piles" refers to your inventory. "Boxes" would have been better, but also more confusing, as Comic Book Realm's interface is checkbox driven.
- Click "Create Pile."
- Name your Pile. Choose whether or not to Share your pile with others. If you choose to Feature your pile, covers from that pile will appear randomly in your profile.
- Now use the search options at the top-left to find the first title you wish to add to your collection.
- When you discover the correct series, click on it and check the boxes beside each of the issues in the title you own. Once you've done this, choose "Add Selected" to My Collection. The page will automatically refresh. Or you can choose to add the checked issues to your Want List.
- Grade the comic to the best of your ability and populate the field; list the price you paid for it. As a tip, if you got the comic through a trade (specifically saying you did not pay for it), include this as a note.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
On Collectibles: Comics - Daredevil/Kevin Smith Crash
At the first of the year, I paid $24.00 for a copy of the late 1990's Daredevil relaunch, written by Kevin Smith. The Comic Book Price Guide 2010 (CBG) now lists it at a measly $7.00 -- that's right -- a 75% loss. It lists a Dynamic Forces variant for $50.00, but that is not the one I have. The place from which I purchased the book is now selling a 9.4 NM copy for less than $6.00! However, it is also selling the Dynamic Forces variant for less than the list CBG price.This has nothing to do with the economy and everything to do with Kevin Smith's involvement (though there are other factors). I am a self-proclaimed Smith fan, but I have not been following his work outside of his burgeoning, and quickly expanding, world of podcasts. Smith had a rocky year, both good and (mostly) bad, and I believe this to be a dominant factor in the price-drop.
He made international headlines for tweeting about an airline incident with which he took issue, his movie Cop Out was overwhelmingly panned, and his recent Batman mini-series met with jeers as well. Within the last few weeks, Smith once again slammed paid critics for receiving free passes to movie screenings, and announced he only wanted hand-chosen reviewers to screen his movies from now on. Critics responded by suggesting Smith was soliciting one-sided, mostly favorable, "reviews" from an audience predisposed to enjoying his films.
SPOILERS - Shadowland
Another factor in Daredevil's recent price plunge is the Shadowland event which seems to have gone largely overlooked, judging from a lack of response. I have all of the issues involved in Shadowland (including the numerous one-shots and mini-series) and have so far overlooked it, myself. Daredevil is ending yet another run, but it appears that Jock will be taking over with Andy Diggle on yet another (possibly ongoing) Daredevil series in 2011. Black Panther has apparently taken over the Daredevil cowl for now, along with the "Man Without Fear" subtitle.
END SPOILER ALERT
All of this confusion as to the direction of the character and title also contributed to this drop on a title I would have considered a stable investment even three months back. I bought high in retrospect, but at the time, the price was stable, as Kevin Smith's problems had not begun, nor had Shadowland been announced. At least two retail outlets currently list the issue in the high range ($15+), which is a good indicator that the value will hold, despite the new lower listing in the CBG.
But this case study reinforces everything I've told you about collecting comics. There are so many factors involved in assessing value, which can and does change rapidly, that it makes comics a waiting game for collectors (as opposed to straight investors). Comic books are a high-risk investment and if you're looking to make money from them, you need to keep a close eye on the market and learn to better gauge consumer interest, then act fast. Comics properties have now become so closely tied to pop-culture and mainstream entertainment that this is an increasingly difficult feat.
There are limited options -- auction sites, conventions (maybe), storefronts, sell to retailers -- for clearance, but no "broker" to call for a fixed, "list" payment. Plus, stocks and similar investments bring much higher returns, often in both the short and long -term. While fandom often maligns collecting comics as a prurient interest, it requires a love of, and great interest in, the medium -- it's the hobby behind it, and what made these characters, titles, and ideas so popular in the first place.
With the newest reboot of Daredevil, we're apt to get a slew of cheaply-produced TPB reprinting key runs from the second series, driving the prices down even further. This is lamentable and something I hope doesn't occur, but begrudgingly accept as probable. The value of the entire series is now in the hands of the creators of this yet-released incarnation -- and those are very capable hands -- but I also believe Daredevil, and the misdirections and creators behind this price drop, interesting and endearing enough to outlast this short-term fall.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Cleaning: An Update
It's just all action all the time here, huh? There's nothing too important here; just babbling about nothing.
There's a reason I'm not more organized. Technically, I get quite organized about once a year and it lasts about three months, and I have been stuck in this cycle for several years now. Unfortunately, I'm not going to change. That's the wisdom that comes with age. It's not that I've given-up nor that I'm comfortable with it, it's just the truth.
The biggest thing to getting organized is developing a system for organization. This requires creating directory trees, labeling and filing folders (both online and off), and so forth -- at least if you're serious about it -- and all of that has to be done before you can sort the first thing. That is what I've been doing for days now.
Most of it has been with comic books so far, and I told you I ran out of boxes, so I have had to change my system to accommodate the lack of space. The good thing is that I've been able to trim some of the fat from my collection. My strategy is to dump the junk and trade-up. Collecting has always been part of the fun for me, and I'm a completist, so I have a loose plan for getting the comic books I want largely by trading-off the comic books I don't care for.
I am also going over options for the blogs and the site. This is a brand new computer and I'm still configuring it. Most of the programs I use have updated and I am still learning to navigate their new interfaces, how to set them, and the like. I'm sorry I missed the self-imposed deadline, and I realize it's the first Halloween update I've ever missed (so far), but I have a lot on my plate and I'm still working.
That is all.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
There's a reason I'm not more organized. Technically, I get quite organized about once a year and it lasts about three months, and I have been stuck in this cycle for several years now. Unfortunately, I'm not going to change. That's the wisdom that comes with age. It's not that I've given-up nor that I'm comfortable with it, it's just the truth.
The biggest thing to getting organized is developing a system for organization. This requires creating directory trees, labeling and filing folders (both online and off), and so forth -- at least if you're serious about it -- and all of that has to be done before you can sort the first thing. That is what I've been doing for days now.
Most of it has been with comic books so far, and I told you I ran out of boxes, so I have had to change my system to accommodate the lack of space. The good thing is that I've been able to trim some of the fat from my collection. My strategy is to dump the junk and trade-up. Collecting has always been part of the fun for me, and I'm a completist, so I have a loose plan for getting the comic books I want largely by trading-off the comic books I don't care for.
I am also going over options for the blogs and the site. This is a brand new computer and I'm still configuring it. Most of the programs I use have updated and I am still learning to navigate their new interfaces, how to set them, and the like. I'm sorry I missed the self-imposed deadline, and I realize it's the first Halloween update I've ever missed (so far), but I have a lot on my plate and I'm still working.
That is all.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, July 09, 2010
Atlanta Artist Increases Value of X-Men #1
Atlanta-based contemporary artist, xenonouveau, finally found a use for 1991's X-Men #1: He cut it up painstakingly -- piece by piece, frame by frame -- and glued it all over a toilet, which he is selling on eBay as a piece (not a working model). This is what is known as "ROI."X-Men #1, by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, was the first part to Claremont's original end to his X-Men oeuvre, though he has since returned to the series a handful of times and is now writing the Forever series in the X-Men line. It also marked the beginning of the end of Jim Lee's work at the company, as he would soon leave to found Image.
Though it was the best-selling comic book of all-time, largely because there were some eleventeen variants, it marked no major turning-point in the team, but it did kill the franchise pretty solidly for about 10 years. It also helped kill the industry for about 15 years.
Marvel just released twelveteen variants for the latest X-Men #1 launch, ominously entitled... X-Men.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
McDonald's Recalls Shrek Glasses
McDonald's has recalled some 2 million Shrek drinking glasses because the paint contains low levels of cadmium, which is toxic. Although the levels of cadmium in the drinking glasses is said to be "only slightly above" what is considered "acceptable" levels, a McDonald's spokesperson said they were recalling them "out of an abundance of caution."
Experts worry that the cadmium could rub-off onto children's hands, then be transferred to their mouths. They do not know the effects of long-time exposure to low levels of cadmium. Customers are being warned to quit using the glasses immediately.
Shrek Forever After, the final movie in the series, opened at #1 in America last weekend.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Experts worry that the cadmium could rub-off onto children's hands, then be transferred to their mouths. They do not know the effects of long-time exposure to low levels of cadmium. Customers are being warned to quit using the glasses immediately.
Shrek Forever After, the final movie in the series, opened at #1 in America last weekend.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
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 theprice time (it was free)!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
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
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Do You Have a Comic Book Worth $1 million?
Yeah, you don't.
But all the same, long-standing Comics Buyer's Guide editor, Maggie Thompson - who literally grew-up reading comics in the 1960s - will hold an hour-long webinar on May 6th to elucidate and expound upon collecting comics, grading them, and selling them. Plus, everyone who attends has a chance of winning great door prizes!
The price is $12.99.
Also, don't forget our friends over to Comic Book Secrets, who will teach you about comic book collecting, buying, and selling for free!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
But all the same, long-standing Comics Buyer's Guide editor, Maggie Thompson - who literally grew-up reading comics in the 1960s - will hold an hour-long webinar on May 6th to elucidate and expound upon collecting comics, grading them, and selling them. Plus, everyone who attends has a chance of winning great door prizes!
The price is $12.99.
Also, don't forget our friends over to Comic Book Secrets, who will teach you about comic book collecting, buying, and selling for free!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
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