Comic Book Secrets February eNews
As promised, the February edition of Comic Book Secrets in online early in the month!
The new format features a special area for "picks" only, both back issue and new issue. If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail and let me know what you think!
Until next month,
Enjoy!
Sean
Back Issues
Make sure to look at the pre-order picks to find out the whole story of these back issues. This month we'll take down some prices for Werewolf by Night #32 and to celebrate some great Furry Beast pictures in Wizard, we'll look at the high grade challenge book, Amazing Adventures #11.
Look at these prices for non-CGC Werewolf by Night 32's
A NM CGC 9.4 - Look at this Price!
Now on to Amazing Adventures #11
The Buyers Guide
Tip of the Month - Restoration
Lesson of the Month: Piece Replacement
Piece replacement is one of the largest restoration tasks you'll ever see accomplished on a comic book. A professional job can be perfect, a true art in and of itself, and an amateur piece replacement could make anyone gasp in horror - looking far worse than if the comic was missing the piece in its entirety!
Piece replacement is exactly what is says - a piece of the cover or interior is replaced with either an identical piece from another comic, or a fabricated piece drawn and painted or color photocopied. The most extreme example would be an entire cover replacement, which again could be a cover from another copy of the same issue or a color photocopy.
How can you tell?
A poor piece replacement will be obvious. The color won't match, you'll see a "line" where the piece was glued in,etc. It will look, well, bad!
A professional job is more difficult and will call upon the lessons learned in previous issues. You will need to open the book and carefully examine the inner covers. Use a "glancing" light to see any uneven area or difference in gloss or texture. A black light should be used to highlight the glue line where the new piece was attached.
Piece replacement is one of the most invasive and serious restorations - and expensive. These books usually take the biggest hit in price because the original, unrestored copy was in such poor condition. It is very important to compare the price of other issues of restored books with piece replacement before buying. A price comparison will keep you from paying too much.
Next month you'll learn the basics of pressing.
Selling on E-Bay - Breaking it Down
What makes a good E-bay listing? More importantly, what makes a E-Bay auction sell for the highest possible price?
This Month - Photos
Once you have gotten the attention of a potential bidder, the photo becomes the most important item in closing the sale. This is followed closely by the description and your shipping details, but the photo is HUGE!
Here are some basics to keep in mind:
- Always include a photo - this builds trust that you actually have the comic book, and gives the bidder something tangible to grasp. Remember the old saying - "A picture is worth a thousand words!"
- Make sure you picture is clear and reveals some detail
- Don't make your picture too small (100x200 pixels) unless you have a link to a larger scan
- Don't make your picture too large in size (both MB and pixel size) - it will take too long to load and bidders may just move on
- Take front and back cover scans or pictures of your more expensive books, interior pictures are great too!
Remember, E-Bay selling is based on trust, and the picture is one of the most important ways to build that trust and get the highest possible price.
New Comics
On the Stands this Month
The first issue I'm watching this month is Daredevil #82. This issue starts Brubakers run on the title. You've heard my praise for him in the past, especially his run on Captain America. There is also a suprising ending to Daredevil #81, so this issue could also get a pop in price if the Brubaker run goes well. Also, don't forget Marvel Knights Spider-man #23 with Angel Medina art. Watch this one and be ready to get in and out if it does well.
Pre-Order Comics
DC is on a mini-series streak! My opinion, don't buy in for anything buy reading pleasure. Ion #1 may be the only exception. I would also look for some early Kyle Rayner action. Following the same course is Moon Knight #1. Not necessarily a big winner (but the book looks good, so watch carefully and pick up some heavily discounted copies below), so the back issues should do well, a great time to bring them out of your boxes and sell or trade. Wolverine Origins #1 is a pick, but I'm concentrating on the variant cover. The book is heavily ordered, so the regular issue may only see a small increase in price. The variant on the other hand will be sought after. Finally we'll wrap up with the Annihilation Mini Series. I'm out on these. Nothing too exciting, and right now I don't see anything to change my mind. A pass for now.
Click Here for up to 75% off the above comics
Wrapping It Up
Remember the new blog address: http://www.comicbooksecrets.com/blog
The site feed address: http://www.comicbooksecrets.com/blog/atom.xml
Also make sure to visit the podcast/MP3 download page by clicking here.
If you haven't downloaded the new free bonus book, click here.
I always welcome your comments and suggestions, so feel free to reply to this e-mail.
Until Next Time Happy Collecting,
Sean
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