By Terrence J. Brady
MAY 2004
Is CGC the Evil Empire?
With the coming of May, one of the oldest holidays arrives though its not viewed as a genuine holiday by many (especially school children here in the U.S.) because they don't get the day off. Sorry kids.
CGC comics on parade?
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May Day originated in pagan Europe as a festive holy day celebrating the first spring planting. It received its modern day purpose in 1889 when the International Working Men's Association declared May 1st an international working class holiday. The day became especially popular for those countries behind the now defunct Iron Curtain during the better part of the last century. Under communist rule, an annual parade in Moscow's Red Square developed into a well known event throughout the world. Although the parade honored the working people of the Soviet Union, communist leaders like Stalin used the event to display the country's military might instead. So how does the CGC fit into this?
Two examples I present my young Jedi. First, re-read that last sentence above. For whom does the CGC do honor for? The people? Or themselves? Secondly, the Soviet Bloc had many a shortcoming. Its fair to say they put on a good face for the populace but behind the facade, they were in disarray. History has proven this fact. It is rumored that many of the mighty war machines the Soviet Union put on display were just that - display objects. Archaic machinery held together with shoelaces and chewing gum. On the outside, they created an image of strength - of unity. But strip away the shiny exterior and they were nothing but a BIG DUD. You draw your own analogy. Oh, before I forget, may the Force be with ya.
Not the first nor the last
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Moving right along ... I received a handful of emails in recent weeks referring to one particular book: SUPERMAN/ BATMAN #8. The big news here was the first appearance of the "new" SUPERGIRL (more on that in a bit). A couple auctions sold for $255.00 and $179.95 respectively but the real mind-boggler was the one that went [unsold] for $649.95. Wait. That was just the
opening bid. The Buy-It-Now price ran for $719.95.
So what's the fuss? It appears we now have a "dolled up" version of the supermaiden for those salivating fanboys amongst us. While she might look like a homeless Britney Spears (with her barely clinging trench coat), fans have snatched up copies of this issue; forcing the first two printings to sell out. A third print is now on the way. But just how "new" is this SUPERGIRL and will this issue stand the test of time? If history is any indicator (in which we have witnessed several incarnations of this character) this won't be the last time we'll have a "new" SUPERGIRL in our presence. Speculators beware....
WONDER WOMAN #317 - NM 9.8
Price: $102.00
Non-slab price: $1.00
Our first inductee of the month. Let's keep with the theme of DC Super Babes and see what this ol' Amazon gal is up to. (Click on the cover).
Whoa! Am I reading this correctly? The very first 9.8 copy of WONDER WOMAN #317 to be slabbed? Wow! What else you ask? Let's see ... Does it feature the 1st appearance of a major character? Nope. Death of a major character? Nah. First issue? Hellooo. Last issue? Strike two - no, wait, that's strike four. Is it an anniversary, holo-foil, dozen cards inside, scratch-n-sniff issue? No (and if it were they ought to slab it just so it doesn't reek up the rest of your books). So what then? How about ... nothing!
Aside for the WW completists out there, I can't see why this issue would attract anyone's attention. Not that I'm blasting WW (she's got her good points) and I even collected the (2nd) series briefly while Mike Deodato Jr. was handling the pencils. But this July '84 issue by Don Heck, for what I can see, has nothing going for it other than someone slapped it with a 9.8 grade, stuffed it in a shiny holder, then tied up some laughin' boy with a golden lasso and picked their pocket of a C-note.
Hell - prove me wrong. I don't claim to know everything so if this book is really worth a hundred dollars, please drop me a line and tell me why. Thanks to Tara N. of Cocoa Beach, FL for submitting.
DC COMICS PRESENTS #47 - NM 9.8
Price: $127.50
Non-slab price: $5.00
Is he toy ... cartoon character ... comic book hero ... movie star? He is none and he is all for he is HE-MAN!
When Mattel Toys constructed the HE-MAN universe in 1982 they probably had no clue what a world of marketing magic they had entered. A world of a billion $ plus - and probably the only one who was pissed off was SKELETOR. The "Masters of the Universe" film (1987) received a respectable $17 million dollar budget but throw in the cost of advertising, lawyer fees plus Dolph Lundgren's mobile gym and the movie was a financial bust.
This didn't deter HE-MAN though for he is good and good will always triumph. Unfortunately his powers could not save the simpleton who would cough up $127.50 for this $5 comic book. Yes, this is the first appearance of HE-MAN and SKELETOR in a DC comic but according to He-Man.org, there were mini-comics (I'm assuming packaged with the toys) that came out in 1982 as well. These comics would indeed be rarer and (if one were a HE-MAN collector) should be the books that are high on your want-list.
I'm afraid the new owner of this DC PRESENTS issue has fallen under the spell of SKELETOR for what else could explain this misfortune of comic purchasing blasphemy. Thanks to Jordan C. of the USMC for submitting. Keep the colors waving Marine and here's to you, and all the boys, getting home safe and sound real soon.
CEREBUS #300 - NM 9.8
Price: $162.50
Non-slab price: various +/- $5.00
A piece of comic book history has come to a close.
From its humble beginnings as a funny-animal satire of CONAN THE BARBARIAN, creator Dave Sim has made an anthropomorphic aardvark into an unlikely hero. Unlikely because he didn't behave in the most heroic ways. Matter of fact, he can be damn right nasty - but in a good way.
CEREBUS was one of the best known indie comics in the past three decades but like all good things, it too must come to an end. The thing of it is, Sim announced (long ago) he would end this "single tale" with issue #300 - so its not like this is breaking news. If you're not familiar with this wise-cracking nocturnal mammal, then I suggest this site for complete background information. Hasn't been updated for a few years but it'll provide you with some highlights.
Now, while I could devote an entire article to the world of CEREBUS, I prefer to comment on several aspects of this auction and the CGC instead. First thing one might notice (besides the ridiculous price of $162.50) is this is not your ordinary slabbed book but a "Signature Series" issue from the CGC. There are those who believe a signature on a comic adds to its value - others say it detracts from the value. I'm on the fence myself. I do not think it adds or takes away from the book's grade. Let's just say its a matter of personal preference and move on. People who read this column on a regular basis might be thinking, "Oh, I guess he's gonna slam CGC again for using this 'Signature Series' as just another way to dupe some shmuck out of his cash." Quite the contrary. The idea actually has merit because, at least in this instance, the buyer knows the signature is the real deal. There's plenty of bogus signatures on product out there from sports cards to Hollywood memorabil
ia.
Its nice to know you're not getting taken for a ride. Thanks to Brett J. of Dallas, TX for submitting.
Not a CGC supporter it appears
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And while I'm being nice to the CGC (and I better hurry because my stomach is turning), Dave Sim has announced he will be signing / slabbing the "Dave Sim File Copy" pedigree collection that includes the first 149 issues of CEREBUS. These books will become highly collectable items in the future and to have a third-party verify their existence and the signature is when the CGC is benefiting fandom. Nice going Evil Empire!
Lastly, I turn my attention to Dave Sim who will be donating the proceeds from the highest graded CEREBUS #1 (in the "Dave Sim File Copy" pedigree collection) to ACTOR. Sim has always been a big supporter of self-publishers and comic owners in general over the years and this auction (taking place in June) shows his dedication to those in fandom who have created the wonderful world of comics.
ACTOR (A Commitment to Our Roots) is a non-profit organization formed to benefit veteran comic-book creators in need of financial assistance. We have all heard the horror tales of big companies denying creative rights to the writers and artists over the years (Jack Kirby's tale was just one of many) and this organization is critical for keeping the independent spirit alive. Click on the link and visit their site today. And Dave, thanks for the memories....
Looking to get into the "act" yourself? Why not submit a comic today for inclusion in the CGC Hall of Shame? Just follow these simple rules: (1) The comic must be Modern Age - 1980 to the present. No Gold or Silver 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. Include your first name and last initial with your city/state (or city/country). To better your chances, check the archives to be sure the book you're submitting hasn't already been featured.
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