Wednesday, the best day of the week, new comic book day. It is like your birthday in the middle of each week (well, one where you buy your own presents.)
We open things up to hear from you. A free for all.
The 106th edition of the open forum!
I will get the ball rolling here.
I can say I am having eBay burn out. Dealing with people who buy something from you, and with eBay’s return policy, turn around and say that they want to return it since (in one case they said the “signature was not readable” ((It was Adam Hughes and Jose Villarubia)) and in another case saying the item didn’t match the description (I sold a Bloom County preview book and they are disputing it saying it wasn’t a preview since it wasn’t the full book…..)
“Don’t mess with my Wednesdays”.
As always we also want to hear about your weekly pickups.
So, What were your pick ups?
What had disappeared off the shelves?
What was sitting on the shelves?
What back issue deals did you grab?
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Informed Comic Book Speculation and Pop Culture News
I’m picking up:
Infamous Iron Man 1 Ribic variant
Black Hammer 4: I wrote in to Lemire. I hope I see my own letter gushing all over this amazing series in the back of the issue.
In other news, I grabbed a nice reader copy of House of Mystery #179, Bernie Wrightson’a first published work today. Pretty happy about that. $15.00.
I’ll post my picks tomorrow, I just wanted you to know Tony that something up with something about your certificate.. https stuff I think. The site is blocked from my blackberry and I can’t even add it as an exception this time 🙁 no chu from my phone for now.
Weird. I haven’t made any changes to the site.
Today it let me add an exception and I can view again on mobile. I checked the Crackberry forums an others have had similar experiences with WordPress sites.
It’s a combo of WordPress an BlackBerry.
Decided to give lootcrate a first chance with my favourite october theme..thanks for the 5$ special
I’m with you on ebay Tony. I got burnt twice now. One was the Uncanny Inhumans #11. I sold it for $7 shipped. Guy said he wasn’t happy with the book cuz it had a small bent on the spine. He also said it would cost him $8 to ship it back to me. I told him to keep it and gave him his $ back. Next time I am going to have people rip the book and send me pictures before I give money back since they are not happy with the book. And then this guy buys my copies of Injustice God’s a mong us #1-4 and sends them back cuz he thought they where TP not single issues. Stupid people don’t know how to read the full discription on the books. So yeah. (Sigh) I feel a little better letting it out now. Thanks for letting me vent.
I worries. Yes, people need to learn to read.
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I’m going to look at this from both perspectives. Those who post their items need to a) learn how to write effectively and b) learn the difference between F and NM. I recently purchased Trillium 1-8 (at least according to what was written). The picture only showed 7 issues. And that is what I received (issues 1-4, 6-8). I’m not going to bitch about it too much because I should have looked at the picture a little more closely rather than going by the description, but this should have been mentioned in the description. And if you indicate that a book is VF-NM, it better not arrive with spine marks up and down, a bend on the cover and price tag stickum on the cover (pictures did not show this, and there was no mention in the description other than book is VF-NM). I still wonder how some of these people can state the condition is VF-NM considering how bad the pictures look.
I try to be as accurate as possible when listing. When someone finally purchases an item I have listed, I usually reuse the same packing material I get from TFAW or Midtown (I really like the thick bubblewrap midtown uses). All books have been bagged/boarded, secured in the packing to not move, and I don’t tape the crap out of the book so you bend it trying to remove it from the packing. Just enough to keep it secure. The cardboard packing and bubblewrap from Midtown /TFAW seals the deal.
There is a lot to be desired on both sides of the fence. I ship as if I was going to receive the book on the other end. Common sense goes a long way to making both sides happy. Thanks for letting me vent a bit. And if anyone knows where I can find Saga of Swamp Thing 25 cheap and in good condition, let me know 🙂
This is why I stopped all together. After sending a Howard the Duck #2 Lim variant, the buyer claimed the corners were all bent upon arrival. Buyer would not upload pictures of it though. I objected to the return request saying that no pictures had been uploaded and eBay still sided with the buyer. I issued a partial refund for about half the purchase price to end it all (about $25.00). So, this buyer got a $25.00 discount on a book that was easily $50-$60 at the time without a shred of evdidence that anything happened to the book.
Ok. Rant over.
Rant on. I am really frustrated so starting to wren some of my auctions out.
I haven’t had this experience with buyers yet… I did have a buyer ask for additional stuff after I shipped the comic which ended up costing me an extra 7 dollars for the “customer service”. However, the whole set-up of eBay scares me a lot, and I can’t wait to get my own site up and running. The way eBay treats sellers is going to cost them one day because how do they expect to have buyers without any sellers?
eBay can get pretty annoying. I sold a book that was VF/NM, easily a 9.4+ with a press and the guy wanted to return it because he thought it was going to be basically a gem mint book. I take a lot of pictures to try and show any defects but some people still don’t pay attention. At least I got the book back in the same condition I sent it.
I hear you on the ebay issues man! I bought a Reborn #1 NYCC sketch variant off the bay. The guy put it in a flimsy mailer in between 2 pieces of already bent cardboard and didn’t even write fragile or do not bend on the outside of the package. It arrived looking like it had been through the zombie apocalypse. Then I shipped out a book I sold and the guy mangled the book taking it out of the packaging and blamed me because he didn’t remove it carefully. He demanded a refund or was going to give me a bad review. I take such care in packaging my books and I know for a fact that he ruined it himself because he was careless…extremely frustrating ebay week.
Tom, what gets me too is if you purchased a comic from EBay or from any online retailer for that matter, ship the comic the way (with more than adequate protection) as if you were receiving it for you own personal collection. I purchase a Pink Harbiner #0 for a decent price and it was packaged in a way that it looks like the shipper spent 15 second. Needless to say that arrived damaged and was sent back to the seller.
Im always curious as to what the best way to ship a book is (Without spending 15$). I usually Bag/Board, throw it in a Cardboard Mailer. I have never received a complaint. I have years ago send the bag/board, 2 pieces of thick cardboard that is larger than the book, stapled/taped the book inbetween and put it in a bubble envelope. I would think that is a little over kill but again I am not sure. So recommendation are appreciated.
The key to shipping comics is, make sure the comic cannot suffer edge damage and make sure the comic does not move within the package.
I usually use thick cardboard (i never pay for it either, too many places just throw their cardboard away). I sandwich the comic between both pieces with about 1/2 inch to 1 inch edge extension. Use painters tape to hold the book in place between the cardboard so it’s easy for the buyer to remove without damaging the book. Don’t use packing tape, I’ve almost bent comics pulling that crap off, especially if they use completely from one side over the comic to the other side. Big no no.. don’t do it, Poyo does not like it!
Also, I mentioned make sure the comic doesn’t move but that also goes for the crap protecting it. Things that move tend to get damaged, the less the contents move within the actual box or envelope, the less likely damage occurs.
Then I always make sure to write “Please do not bend, roll or throw” all over the package. You’ll be surprised how far the “Please” goes.. writing “do not bend” makes it seem more like a command, rather than a request. I’ve read studies where signs that ask politely seem to work better than those that don’t. It’s like a sub-conscious thing with people.
This week I am getting:
Back to the future
Batman
DkIII
Deadpool back in black
Deadpool too soon?
Death of x
Green lanterns
I hate fairyland
Infamous iron man
Justice league
Manifest destiny
Nightwing
Rock an morty little poopy superstar
Silk
Spread
Superman
Asm
Thor
Uncanny inhumans
Batman #9
The Black Hood #1
Dark Knight: can’t even remember what’s going on in this series it’s been so long between issues.
Sunflower #6 Solid story
Lord of Gore #1: based on some CHU hype I’m really excited for this one.
I read Dark Knight’s first issue.. then I was like.. you know, I’m just gonna wait until it’s over to read it all in one sitting.
That’s going to be a long potty break.
Yeah, the type where you get up and can’t feel your legs.. then the tingling begins and you can’t walk for about 10 minutes..
Honestly at this point I wish I would have also. It’s been way too long in between issues. Plus I won’t lie, I got caught up in the nostalgia and hype.
Don’t forget the marks your arms leave on your legs from using them as arm rests!
Haha.. yes!
this must be a bad week altogether. had a buyer claim the book was damaged but there’s no way in hell the book was damaged as the cardboard I mailed it in was fine. refunded him just because it was a small priced book and didn’t want to deal. then this morning a buyer claimed he didn’t receive a book so I upload the tracking and it shows delivered. uploaded in case and awaiting to see how ebay handles it. I”m in canada so I don’t always upload the tracking but I often have it. it just gets too tedious to upload it but this is the first time a buyer claimed they didn’t have it but my info says they got it.
You usually win if the tracking proves it was delivered. The buyer has to prove he didn’t get it with the post office or open a lost package case with them. The sad part though is, you can still lose if he pleads with eBay after post office inquiry, if it was lost, you are on the hook.
This is why any book that is usually $20 – $50, I ship priority.. cause then USPS just refunds you so you and the buyer don’t lose out. I can eat the costs if it’s $20 or less and usually just ship first class. Anything over $50, sometimes that signature verification for $2 is totally worth it, especially for books over $100 in value.
125 contest entries vs 17 comments in our weekly discussion.
This makes me frown so hard.
A free contest really brings them out of the woodwork.
Yeah. I know. It is a slow week. There have been comments in other sections but it is a slow week.
I think that’s a good way to describe me this week. Slow. I feel slow this week. I guess it’s not just me. Maybe because it’s getting dark earlier?
Hey, I got what appears to be some new names in my comments under my picks. All I have to do is plead with people to call me names and ask if anyone is reading my articles.. that makes me happy! 🙂
Haven’t commented in awhile so here goes.
Picked up today:
Love & Rockets Volume 4 #1 (Lcs got shorted so I picked up the only copy on the shelf. It is magazine-sized like Volume 1.)
I Hate Fairyland (I’ve been picking up the variant version of all issues)
Spread 17
Squirrel Girl 13
Deadpool Too Soon 1 (for Squirrel Girl)
Invader Zim 14
My honey holes have all been discovered by other speculators, so the back issue bins in my immediate area are now sucked dry. It is a good thing I have a job where I can hit the lcs when it opens on Wednesday.
My honey hole is occasionally hot but mostly unknown. Haven’t been back issue picking in a while.
Not to much for me today.
Green Valley #1 ×2 still a lot of these on the shelves makes me think the 2nd print will be under ordered
Both copies of J.L, Superman and Lil Poopy
Supergirl #2b
Harrow County #17
R.R. and Groot #8-#10 a Gwenpool team up for all you fans out there (Poyo)
I just recently found a site I did not know about 1904 comics, they have some pretty good variants for cheap. I ordered a copy of Vision #1 1:20, Spiderman / Deadpool #1 1:25 and a couple other things, it all came packed good and in good shape so I may order from them again.
Buy Green Valley’s if you find them. I have a feeling about this one.. and it’s a good read. It’s not anything ground breaking but it’s good writing and the type of story most can enjoy.
LCS
Bunker 19
Spread 17 var
Manifest Destiny 24
Harley Quinn 6 reg
Batman 9 var
Online
Action Comics Vol 2 #963 Cover B Variant Gary Frank Cover
All-Star Batman #2 Cover C Variant Jock Cover
Animosity #2 Cover B 2nd Ptg Rafael de Latorre Variant Cover NEXT WEEK
Birthright #19
Black Monday Murders #2 Cover A 1st Ptg
Black Panther Vol 6 #6 Cover B Variant Esad Ribic Connecting B Cover
Black Science #24
Briggs Land #2
Cinema Purgatorio #5 Cover A Regular Cover
Civil War II Gods Of War #4 Cover B Variant Julian Totino Tedesco Cover
Clone Conspiracy #1 Cover G Regular Gabriele Dell Otto Cover Signed By Dan Slott (Limit 1 Per Customer)
Control #4
Daring New Adventures Of Supergirl #6 1st Matrix-prime
Deadpool Vol 5 #18 Cover A Regular Rafael Albuquerque Cover (Civil War II Tie-In)
Deathstroke Vol 4 #2 Cover B Variant Shane Davis Cover
Faith (Valiant Entertainment) Vol 2 #3 Cover B Variant Marguerite Sauvage Cover
Flash Vol 5 #6 Cover A Regular Carmine Di Giandomenico Cover
Green Lanterns #6 Cover B Variant Emanuela Lupacchino Cover
Gwenpool #6 Cover A Regular Stacey Lee Cover
Harrow County #16
House Of Penance #6
Jeff Steinberg Champion Of Earth #2
Lady Killer 2 #2
Letter 44 #27
Mockingbird #7 (Civil War II Tie-In)
New Super-Man #3 Cover B Variant Philip Tan Cover
Night Trap #4
Old Man Logan Vol 2 #11
Prometheus Life And Death #4
Reborn #1 Cover I Regular Greg Capullo Cover Signed By Greg Capullo (Limit 1 Per Customer)
Red Hood And The Outlaws Vol 2 #2 Cover B Variant Matteo Scalera Cover
Scarlet Witch Vol 2 #10 Cover A Regular David Aja Cover
Scooby Apocalypse #5 Cover B Variant Francis Manapul Cover
Sidney Hammer vs Wicker Wolf One Shot
Spider-Man Vol 2 #8 Cover A Regular Sara Pichelli Cover (Civil War II Tie-In)
Spookhouse #1 NEXT WEEK
Stray Bullets Sunshine And Roses #18
Suicide Squad Vol 4 #2 Cover B Variant Lee Bermejo Cover
Superwoman #2 Cover A Regular Phil Jimenez Cover
Symmetry #7 Cover B Variant Raffaele Ienco Cover
Throwaways #3
Wonder Woman Vol 5 #6 Cover B Variant Frank Cho Cover
Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #11 Cover B Variant Juan Jose Ryp Cover
That is quite the long list! Impressive.
This looks pretty good…
http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/10/18/dc-nycc-variant-comics-sweepstakes
Sadly my LCS didn’t ger any Love and Rockets really wanted this one.
Was able to get Lords of Gore, read it and loved it.
Also picked up Green Valley, just read – Wow great story and amazing artwork, really looking forward to the next issue already!
Also was lucky enough to get one of those Carson cassette tapes
I was disappointed lord of gore isn’t returning until next year.
pick ups this week:
Moonknight 26-30 – Dell Otto Cover $3.50 each
Cave Carson #1 – Sienkiewicz cover
Infamous Iron Man 1 – Ribic Cover
Old Man Logan 12
Wonder Woman 174 Hughes Cover – 3.50
Reborn #1 – Blank Cover
I had been looking for the Moonknight for quite awhile and had yet to find them until today
small week for me:
spell on wheels # 1
deadpool too soon # 1
cave carson has a cybernetic eye # 1***
infamous iron man # 1
but my lcs had a $0.30 comic sale over the weekend, around 40 short boxes worth. at that price i wasn’t really expecting to come across $10+ books but i ended up being delightfully shocked at the stuff i found. some of the highlights:
vengeance # 1 1st app ms america
thor # 412 1st full app new warriors
captain america # 360 1st crossbones
amazing spiderman (1999) # 1
what if? (1987) # 4 1st venom/hulk
ghost rider (1990) # 1
longshot # 1 1st longshot
moon knight (1980) #s 15, 25
CAN’T COMPLAIN!
great week it sounds like!!!!
I’ve also been picking up the current Moon Knight solely for the James Stokoe bits.
I have liked the Stokoe bits. Those have been fun and crazy
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Big week from Dark Horse and DC.
Hellboy 2
BPRD 146
Aliens 2
Black Hammer 4
DHP 27
DeptH 7
Harrow County 17
Usagi 158
Weird Detective 5
ASM 20 (any suggestions on how to drop a book you’ve been reading since you were in grade school?)
Dr Strange 13
Aquaman 9 – this book seems to improve with each issue. I just wish art was more consistent (like Scot Eaton!)
DKIII 6
Green Lantern 9
Batman 9 – not liking this much
Justice League 7 – not liking this one much either
Superman 9
Trinity 2 – Cho cover
Hadrians Wall 2
Love and Rockets 1 – yeah!
Rumble 15
Devi 3 – digging this book
Simpsons 233
Zombie Tramp 28
and finally, Revisionist 5
Also got Black Monday Murders 1 3rd print for the cool white cover
Great week!!!
Joyride 6
Lucas Stand 5
Black hammer 4
Spell on wheels 1
Batman 9
DKIII 6
Cave carson has cybernetic eye 1
Justice league 7
Superman 9
Trinity 2
Lord of gore 1
Pathfinder worldscape 1
Demonic 3
Night’s dominion 2
Amazing spiderman 20
So not great in the new comics department BUT I scored a NM Preacher 1 for 80$, I was thrilled!!
Going to conventions, comic shops, meeting through ads via internet, local newspapers are more reliable than purchasing on EBay. Seeing and looking over the comics is a huge advantage to both buyer and seller. Call it old fashioned but peace of mind is priceless.
Recent purchases for me
Archie Meets The Ramones
Kiss #1
Uncanny X-Men #221 (So Much Fun variant)
Green Lantern/Green Arrow #85-89
Did you like Archie meets the Ramones? I thought it was a fun issue with lots of little nods to one of my favorite bands of all time.