By Terrence J. Brady
AUGUST 2003
I love e-mail.
Especially from folks who don't agree with me. These are the best and
when readers don't approve with what they see in this column, I say,
"more power to 'em." However, being it is my column (not theirs) I feel
duty-bound to my supporters to expose one such e-mail that contained the
dreaded "CGC formula of death."
This blueprint of defraud was used by one individual in supporting their
position on why a certain CGC-encased comic (which I mocked last month)
was worth the asking price. The provocateur (who shall respectfully
remain anonymous) stated that in order to get a true value of a CGC
comic, one must multiply its non-encased value by 10. Simply stated, if
a non-slabbed book is worth $10, then a slabbed copy is worth $100. Huh?
First, where did we come up with such a bizarre formula which decrees if
a book is removed from its CGC sleeve it loses 90% of its value (or
vice-versa)? Was it a self-appointed committee of CGC specialists (you
know, "employees") that arrived at this formula? Perhaps a team of
monkeys? Or was it a zit-faced fandomite who collects Wizard price
guides? Me personally ... I believe it was part of the original 15
Commandments (you know, the section dropped by Mel Brooks in "History of
the World, Part I").
In any event, let's not be sheep. Sheep get slaughtered. Next time you
hear someone speak of this inane formula, tell them "that formula and 50
cents will buy 'em a roll of toilet paper." Let's move on, shall we....
To the left is a CGC 9.6 copy of GI JOE, A REAL AMERICAN HERO #21. This
is the first appearance of STORM SHADOW (THE COBRA NINJA). It's also
known as the "silent issue" because it has no text - strictly images -
from writer Larry Hama. While I haven't read the book, I have read high praises
for its uniqueness.
But... does it have "the kung fu grip?"
Seriously, comics are indeed short storyboards, like in the movies,
and are supposed to tell a story visually. Miller did this exceptionally
well during his DD run and this book should be picked up just for that.
However ...how much did this book pick up? $235.99!! (I believe my
MARVEL TRY-OUT comic also had no text. Wonder what I could get for
that?)
Anyhow, look for the comic with no text for around 20 bucks (ugh!).
Spend any more than that and you'll certainly leave me .... speechless.
(Thanks to Albert N. of Columbus, OH for submitting).
DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #3 (CGC 9.9)
When Frank Miller and DC released this four-issue arc in the mid-`80s, it
not only reinvented the BATMAN but also changed how the general populace
viewed comic books. No longer "kids stuff," Miller let the world know
with his graphic depiction of the crusader who had been the butt of many
a joke; thanks to the `60s TV series.
A decent set of the four books can fetch upwards of 40 bucks (though
many have paid more). This particular gem was no $40. No, no. Not even
close.
$414.00 was the winning bid for this book (yes book - not series). Of
course, as the seller states, "...a beautiful, ultra rare, ultra
high-grade copy." I won't argue the first or the last but "ultra-rare?"
Is this a new description I'm not aware of? I've heard of "scarce" books
and "rare" books but "ultra-rare." Wow! I guess it deserves this honor
because of its age. After all, the book came out way back in 1986, so
I'm sure the multitude of copies that were originally printed have now
decayed into good-for-nothing pulp dust.
Unfortunately for folks on a budget, you'll just to have to dream of
owning such a rarity. However if five bucks don't break the bank, grab
yourself a copy of the trade paperback which (shockingly) has ALL FOUR
issues. (Thanks to Jessie E. of Grand Falls, New Brunswick for
submitting).
The last comic "honored" this month is not due to its crazy price but
because of the company that created it, how it affected the comic
collecting world and where it is today. I’m sure I'll get plenty of
emails on this comparison but - what the hell.
To our left is X-O MANOWAR #1 CGC 9.8 NM. Origin and 1st appearance of
Aric (X-O MANOWAR). This $5-10 book (at best!) received a winning bid of
$83.20. Okay, enough with that nonsense.
Sticking with the auction, the seller makes the statement that...
"Valiants have been ignored for too long and are now beginning to fetch
the real values that they are deserving of..."
Okay friends, obviously you weren't collecting comics back in the early `90s
when the price of Valiants went thorough the roof! They were the hottest
books in town thanks to great stories, a brilliant editor (guy named
Shooter, heard of him?) and low print runs. Then the speculators stepped
in. Probably the same clowns that are buying up hordes of CGC books
today thinking they're playing the market.
The comics speculation bubble that helped propel prices into the
stratosphere (plus gave several flash-in-the-pan talents 15 minutes of
fame) eventually burst, causing an across-the-board collapse in the
market. It was this "crash" that caused many to lose a fortune. Poor
decision-making (canning Shooter??) and a market downturn forced Valiant
out of business by 1996.
Some examples of the greed? Lets look at some of those - once low -
Valiant print runs: RAI #8 (125,000) .... RAI #9 (900,000). DEATHMATE
PROLOGUE (1 mil). X-O MANOWAR #0 (1 mil). TUROK #1: 1.75 million copies
(though many say only a quarter-million actually sold).
Greed and speculation. History has a funny way of repeating itself. I
hope everyone looks at this column 10/20 years from now and sees how
tragically funny all these CGC priced comics are. Hopefully, you will
have invested in something a little more certain: your home or your
children's education. Not in some pulp book enshrined in a bogus plastic
cover. (Thanks to Ralph M. of Aberdeen, MD for submitting).
Alright ... time to call it a day. To submit a comic for consideration in
the CGC Hall of Shame, please follow these simple rules: (1) The
comic must be Modern Age - 1980 to the present. No Gold or Silver Age
books please. (2) The comic must be from an on-line auction house; like
eBay. (3) The comic must be CGC graded and fetch a minimum winning bid
of 10X Overstreet Guide. Please included your first name and last
initial with your city/state (or city/country).
See you next month!
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