10,000+ comics – just in time for the new Overstreet!
The Overstreet’s here! The Overstreet’s here! Like Steve Martin in one of the best comedies ever, the yearly arrival of the Overstreet Price Guide is a major event day for me and, as the title suggests, it came right after I purchased a huge collection.
Last Wednesday, I was the first to inspect a collection of over 40 long boxes of comics – all stuffed to the gills. Unfortunately, there were way too many Image titles for my tastes, but there was certainly plenty of decent issues to make it worth the amount the owner was asking. I initially passed on the deal and here is why:
Although the vast majority of the comics were bagged and boarded, the boxes they were stored in gave off a poor impression. They had been stored in a back room, ground level, against an outside wall that had a window immediately over the books. The previous owner was wise in elevating the boxes from being directly on the floor, but the lack of air movement and humidity created an atmosphere for a healthy growth of mold on many the boxes. Adding to that, cobwebs were present due to the long time they had been stored (certainly easy to understand), but the owner must have had long-haired cats. Long-haired cats that shed! Are you getting the picture? On a positive note, I did not see any creepy crawlers and, fortunately, I am not allergic to cats. After spending about 40 – 45 minutes flipping through most, but not all, of the boxes and now ringing in perspiration, I decided that I wasn’t up to the task of sorting this many comics. Probably the heat and humidity at the time had something to do with the decision. Anyway, I declined the offer with reservations. The next day, the agent called me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. As this is being written, I still have about 15 more boxes to go through.
My efforts so far have led me to offer some tips regarding storage of one’s collection. I can tell that this represented a number of separate acquisitions as I saw every possible way to bag and board and a few odd situations. Tip one: Don’t tape the flap so it is on the bottom. First of all, once the next book slides in, it will snag the flap which is coming up in the opposite direction; but more importantly, IF you happened to have stored them in an area that has the potential for flooding or mold growth, the moisture doesn’t have as far to travel up before your comic is ruined. Tip two: with regards to the taping of the comic itself. As I am asked so often, “Hey, Captain, how many pieces of tape do you recommend when I tape my books?” (actually, I’m lying about that, but after what I just experienced, it needs addressing.) If you are just storing them for yourself and figure on re-opening very infrequently, one works, but two is typical. Three is excessive, four is just silly, and five – FIVE! – means you need to seek professional help. Some of the stranger sights, so far, include using adhesive tape – you know, the stuff you would use in a hospital! Tip three: NEVER use masking tape! This stuff eventually melts into the comic bag and is almost impossible to remove without damaging the contents. Someone desperately wanted to use a backing board, but obviously was out – so, he cut out the back of Kellogg’s cereal box! I saw some familiar price stickers, including my own handwriting on a few, but the most unusual one was from a shop in Texas that had not only the name of the shop, but the comic title, issue number, condition, and price, plus the shop’s address, a short promo tag, and two different phone numbers!? Of course, always store your comics in a cool, dark area if possible.
So what have I found so far and what might you expect to see when I finally put them out for sale? I have found comics that I have never seen before, such as the “Johnny” comic in the front showcase – a tribute to John Lennon that is not listed in Overstreet, some that I have not seen in years, and some that I had hoped I would not see again. As I go through each box, I occasionally come across a semi-key issue and some nice straight runs of issues and will be offering them as sets. Already, I have sold two on eBay – a complete run of all 31 issues of Kiss The Psycho Circus and a nice long run of Bendis’ Powers comic. Yes, this will be a good deal! When will you see them? For sure, if we do another flea market on Labor Day and definitely if you attend the C.H.U.D show in Cherry Hill on 8/14. But I may set up at the Farmers’ Market on Rt 40, CowTown, or do a yard sale – look for more info.
If you have followed any of my earlier blogs, you know I like to going “picking” – attending auctions, checking out yard sales and flea markets for treasures; and though comics are first on my list, I buy anything “I think I can make a buck on” as Frank from American Pickers says. I always want to come home with something when out on a pick. And sometimes what I get is a little embarrassing. You saw all of those beanie babies at my table at the flea market, right? Well, I did sell some and did fine with some Elvis 45′s I had just won at auction. Last week was weak at my Friday night auction in Elmer. Out of desparation, I won a complete 
set of all 5 marionettes of NSYNC. Yes, the boy band. These were still unopened in the boxes (how many people know how to use a marionette or have the patience to learn?) with some shelf wear. I’m thinking, “There is a Justin Timberlake in there!” I really disliked him when he went into rap, but actually like him now that he seems to be able to make fun of himself in commercials and appearances on shows. A couple of other commercials that I really like are the Citizens Bank ones with Alexander Hamilton and crew and the one where the Dad is leaning into a car, handing his daughter the keys, with all of the worry, love, and concern coming through. He still sees her as his little daughter – a very well done commercial – except I can’t remember what it is for!? One I do remember, because it annoys me, is the one for the Baltimore Aquarium that stresses the fact it is a “national” aquarium, but uses a guy with a thick, overbearing French accent. I 
know you don’t care, but I feel much better just getting that out there. Thanks.
I haven’t seen the Green Lantern movie, yet, and maybe it is because I just can’t wrap my head around Ryan Reynolds as the lead. I just see a comedic, goofy character when I see him. Is it me, or does he look like a young George W.? Anyway, everyone thought the same about Michael Keaton playing Batman back then and it did well.
On a final note, a very quick flip through the new Overstreet revealed a relatively small increase in the prices, but still better than the overall economy. Maybe a more detailed analysis will be forthcoming.
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