DAREDEVIL 181 is the, now classic, double-size issue in which Elektra and Bullseye have their climatic confrontation. This comic was all the rage when it first appeared (and so it should be) and I even adapted parts of this comic for my own DD spec script: BLIND JUSTICE.

The value, however, never really went anywhere for this book. I picked up 20 copies back in ‘82 (for a buck a piece) but I wound up giving away most of my copies over the years. Recently, the book has catapulted from its $5-$10 range and has sold ten times (or more) in recent months (mainly "slabbed" copies) due to the film’s hype.

Hyping a book is one thing. Scalping is another. The second book that has gone through the roof is DAREDEVIL 168 (first Elektra). For years a NM copy ran in the $30 range but now that price has been jacked to over $100. CGC issues have led that pack in higher prices but this ... this is just plain highway robbery: DAREDEVIL 168 - CGC 9.6.

$750 for a comic worth 1/10th that sum??? Sheer madness, indeed! Now .... onto the inductees for this month.

Holy-insanity-BATMAN!!

Coming from DC Comics, we have the 400th anniversary issue of BATMAN. This book (click image) is CGC graded 9.8 NM/Mint and is the highest grade CGC has given this particular comic.

BATMAN 400 features a Stephen King introduction with artwork by Wrightson, Kaluta, Kubert, and Perez. While few have Bruce Wayne's income, this "must-have" issue (for BAT fans) is usually a bargain.

Hitting newsstands back in October '86, this historic issue hasn’t been much of a budget breaker; averaging $5 to $10. Sadly though, someone over at eBay was fleeced of $129.95 for this copy.

Perhaps, the buyer's thinking is the next BATMAN film won’t be as lame as the last two (doubtful) and the price for this issue will soar (highly doubtful). (Thanks to Tony S. from Reno, NV for submitting this auction).

Keeping with the movie theme of this month’s column, the next inductee to the hall was actually a give-away.

"The MATRIX: Comic Book Movie Preview" was given away at theaters on opening night of this 1999 film starring Keanu Reeves. Warner Brothers decided not to release the comic to the general public as it was deemed to have questionable material. The result was many of these books were destroyed making the surviving issues fairly rare.

The comic had FC artwork by Geof Darrow with story/interior art by Paul Chadwick. Also included are pin-ups by various artists including Bill Sienkiewicz.

Since biblical times (and prior) prices have been determined by supply & demand. As this comic is in limited supplies, a big enough demand may send the asking price to a fairly high level (esp. since 2 more MATRIX films are on the way). However, that’s merely speculation and one can only wonder if a FREE giveaway book is worth $60.00. (Especially when you can pick up a non-slabbed copy for around 6 or 7 bucks.) But hey, that’s the CGC. Just like the Matrix, its "...the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth." (Thanks to Karen P. from Pittsburgh, PA for submitting this auction).

Normally, to be included in the CGC Hall of Shame, the comic must have a winning bid. However, there's always an exception to that rule. I included this book to show just how deranged some sellers have become in thinking the world is full of clue-less schleps who will jump at the chance to have a {perfect} comic.

To the left, we have Marvel's ORIGIN #1 (11/01). This four issue mini-series examined the origins of everyone's favorite anti-hero, WOLVERINE, and has become one of the more sought-after titles in 2002-03.

Two things make this auction worth noting. First, it featured one of those "rare" 10.0 Mint grades which, for the past couple years, people were shelling out greenbacks hand-over-fist for. The Buyer's Guide printed various articles on the phenomena and one writer (who's identity shalt not be revealed) decided to poke a little fun at the subject by creating a new, superior grade - 11.0 The Ultimate Mint.

OK, so I'm guilty for that one (but it was a hoot for people familiar with the film, Spinal Tap). The second reason why this book is featured in the "hall" is the ever-so-slightly inflated price the seller was asking for.

How much you ask?

$500? (In your dreams.)
$750? (Are ya still dreaming?)
$1000?? (Ack! Time for a wake-up call folks!)

Let's try ... $5-0-0-0!! (No, we're not talking 5000 pesos here). We're talking: Five-THOUSAND-U-S-A-dollar-bills! Or, to put it in a different perspective, enough money to buy 20,000 copies of INCREDIBLE HULK #181 (Wolverine's 1st full appearance) when it first hit the newsstand.

Baffling, I know. Thankfully, no individual was duped into purchasing this book but the mere fact someone would even attempt to acquire such an outlandish amount for a - $10 - comic shows the excessive profiteering sellers are guilty of by exploiting encapsulated books. Shame on you, Mr. Comic Book Seller. Shame - on - you! (Thanks to Robert R. of Waverly, IA for submitting this auction).

Wondering how you can get into the fun? Well, its easy as 1-2-3. Just follow the rules below and send your pick to the author. Winning submissions will get to see their name and city/state in big ol' flashing neon lights (sorta) and will receive a big ol' "No-Prize."

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. (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.

This CGC Hall Of Shame column will continue to operate until this senseless overpricing of CGC graded Modern Age books ceases. Next month ... well, it is April Fool's Day so let's start sending in those auctions and maybe YOU will have the pleasure of crowning the "King Fool of Shame."

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