Done it many times because it literally allows a memory to last a lifetime. You will look at the book when it comes back and remember that day and that interaction forever.
X-Men 50 - Owning the book, meeting the creator and having him autograph with a gorgeous signature is just amazing. Not a fan of grading / encapsulation, but you do you. Congrats.
100% would have it graded. 45 Years old myself, been collecting since i was 14, and I have never had the opportunity to go to a Con of any kind, watching these videos is really putting a strong motivation in me to finally get off my rump and get to one here in Minnesota. Thanks for the entertaining videos, keep it up.
Steranko is great. His stories of his childhood are so entertaining. Expect his autograph lines to be quite the wait, but he really does take the time to make an impression with his fans.
I like that you have that Heroes for Hope cover signed and raw. It’s a great piece that I am sure all involved have great memories and thoughts about that.
That was some Comic Con! Loved those books that were on display! You absolutely made the right decision paying to have Jim Steranko autograph graded on that iconic X-men comic! You can always buy comics in future Cons but you may never get the chance to get Sterankos autograph and have it witnessed and capsulated.
You’re a class act, man. Just the way you carry yourself at these events is amazing. Loved the Shooter conversation! He was eic during my fave comic years so he’ll always be #1
I met Jim Steranko in Sydney in the early 80s at a convention at the Opera House and he exuded coolness. Now decades older, he is still such a cool dude. What's his secret? If he could bottle it he would make a fortune. As for paying to have creators sign, yes, of course: there was not a single professional there who I would not have paid $20 for a signature. You made an excellent purchase with Sandman #1. I can still remember reading it for the first time and thinking how different it was to everything else in my reading pile. The title remains in my top 5 series. Don't ignore the Starslayer main story in that #3 - in fact, get the remaining issues you need from #1 to #6 and enjoy Mike Grell art and writing when he was in his prime.
Steranko is amazing. I got to talk to him for almost an hour at a local show last year when he came out here to Colorado. Amazing man, and it will be a lasting memory for me.
Sandman 1 for $80? All day, all week, all year. Awesome grab! Now you just need to get it signed by Neil Gaiman and slabbed by CGC scoring that 9.8! Good luck hunting. 🎉❤
Always spring for all the bells and whistles when legendary people are involved. It s a capsule in time that your kids and their kids will treasure. 😃🐳👍
I typically only grade a book if I’m going to sell it. It’s expensive! And the way I display them, non-graded looks and fits better. But given your experience with the book, I’d say it’s totally fair.
100% Get it CGC Yellow Signature, Jim Steranko is an iconic comic book artist and one of my favorite artists.😊🎉 I have a CGC X-men 50, but I regret it's not a yellow label.😢
It was definitely great meeting you and speaking with you no matter how brief. Ali was definitely surprised when we watched the video the other night. Pretty sure half of your 10k views are from her rewatching the shout-out lol. 17:32 Hopefully we can meet again soon. 🤙
Great signature haul! I got to meet David Michelinie last year for a signing at a local comic shop here in Northeast Ohio. FYI, the proper pronunciation of his last name rhymes with "tickle my knee." Great pickup on Sandman 1.
I would definitely have the Steranko signing graded. He’s a legend and it deserves being preserved. I recently went to the King Kon comic convention in NJ. Like yours, it was a pure comic book convention. I never had any comic signed, but I HAD to get a Klaus Janson signature on my Dark Knight Returns #1. I had it CGC witnessed and requested that they get it to CGC in time for a Frank Miller signing. Hopefully, I got it to Miller in time. 🤞 I’ve had that Dark Knight Returns since my early teens when I spent ALL my lunch money for it when it first went on sale. Along with Miracleman, Dark Knight rocked my world. I’ll never get rid of it
Thanks for the laugh, Mike. Glad that you had a wonderful time! Don’t worry about the grading. You made the decision and you’ll love it. You don’t do it that often so enjoy it when it comes back. Thanks again for sharing and see you out there someday.
This was my first ever comic convention. Drove down on the Friday from eastern Canada. I had a blast, hope to get back another year. Thanks for the video!
Mike, you did the right thing by getting that book slabbed. That's an awesome book, and having a legend like Steranko sign it? No brainer. And great grab with the Sandman 1. I love the comic, the show, and anything Neil Gaiman does. Looks like it was an amazing time.
Thanks for an extensive video of a show I am dying to go to. Living in Rhode Island where we have barely any shows I don’t have much choices. I am making the trek next time . Your video convinced me! Much Thanks 🙏
I have two copies of X-Men 15 and that’s the only books I am getting graded and heroes con in the next couple of months. I think you made a great choice. So many great things going on with that book
Encapsulatin' X-MEN #50 w Steranko's sig was a great idea! The man is a legend, & it's a special book for you. Moreover, him signing where he wanted to, worked out ever so brilliantly - looks amazing!
love the atmosphere of the cons and love the channel man! appreciate all your hard work for sure. btw im a fellow red sox and bruins fan from Tennessee.
Asked Steranko to sign my X-Men 50 and Hulk Annual 1. He also gave me an amazing experience and stories I won't soon forget! I decided against slabbing. If I need or want to later, I can always send it in for verification. His signature is so recognizable, I'm sure it won't be any trouble. I put my X-Men 50 into my recently received Comic Capsule and it's up on my wall and looks just as great as a slab! Slabbing just costs sooo much money :-(
Love that signature of Steranko. I would read the comic first with the signature. That would be a special personal moment. You always can slab it later. After slabbing you can not touch it anymore.
Mike, I love how humble you remain when it's becoming obvious that you are blowing up in popularity. The video's got me back in the hobby and I look forward to them every week. Oh,and great physique or so I've heard. Excelsior!!!!
I always believe in keeping comics raw. You will always be reminded of your experience with Steranko when look at that book so does it really need to be incapsulated and graded. Plus you have already shown and know that you can protect these comics. I hope you get that great memory back really soon.
Dude! You had a killer day! I agree with the masses in that I definitely agree with submitting the Steranko book. I always submit books that I personally stand in line to get signed. Great video, man!
Hi Mike, just wanted to say I really enjoy your channel. I stumbled upon it by accident. And I gotta say it’s one of the best accidents! I’m a huge comic book fan and have always been one since I was a kid. Unfortunately I never had any LCS’s near me. As an adult my love and passion for comics still remains. Comic collecting is something I’ve wanted to get into for a very long time. And what I really like about your channel is you give awesome pointers and tips with some history mixed in to help others who also have a deep love for this hobby or for people that wanna get into this hobby but don’t know where to start like me. I am hoping to finally start my own collection soon. Thanks and keep up the great content!👍🏽
I've never had a signed comic witnessed/submitted, but that one creator (forget which one in the video) is absolutely right: these guys are not getting any younger. If it's something you want, do it while you still can. Looks like an awesome show!
No doubt when you get something signed by a legend, you get it graded and encased for posterity. Great choice! Can't wait for the video to see the slab when you get it back.
First thing first, we collect how ever we like to collect. I wouldn't have got it graded because I would never sell it. But I believe what is most important is that it is an awesome story for you!
Steranko is quite the character. I think he tries to crush everyone's hand like the Hulk. It was probably worth it. I got his signature CGC'ed a while back but it was cheaper than now. Just so you know, you could have also kept it raw and later get it CGC/JSA authenticated which is quite cheaper and getting witnessed. I think CGC facilitators should be worried. CGC/JSA authenticated vs CGC witness. Market is too early to decide if they are valued the same.
Your interactions with the wonderful people in the comic book community made me feel like I was also there enjoying the con. Your explanations about the comics you picked up are also informative and entertaining. It was a good choice to slab the Steranko book since the interaction and the book meant so much to you. Preserving a signature may be one of the few remaining reasons to encapsulate a comic.
Great choice on the first pull. Sandman #1 was one of my first yanks when I came back to the hobby last summer. I am so jealous of all these cons! I just can't make it to them. Thank you for the fantastic footage!
I was there too! Spent a lot of time speaking with Steranko, Al Milgrom, Jim Shooter. Found some amazing deals. Its no exaggeration, one of the best comic conventions Ive ever been to! I would NOT have had your X-men 50 encapsulated.
Steranko's art for the time was so far above most ...definitely top five. I would have had graded and certified...regret selling my copy of that XMen 30 years ago. Still have copies of classic Sheld, etc to enjoy...Glad you had a good time...would be an old time like show I would want to attend.
Mike, it was great bumping into you at this show! I didn't wanna hold you up since you had just gotten out of the lines, but your videos are a highlight of the week for both myself and my girlfriend. Thanks for being such an awesome figure in our hobby. As an NH local this show is a favorite of mine - I'm sure I'll bump into you in other cons!
Awesome vid Mike!! I've said it once and I'll say it again I LOVE THE STORIES THAT COME WITH THE JOURNEY!!! Thank you for a very entertaining upload!! AND! And getting the X-Men 50 graded great choice! The Sandman is great, but hands down that X-Men 15!! I'll take that all day!!
Hi Mike. Highly entertaining record of a great day with comics and some of their creators. Your hobby enthusiasm shines through and is infectious! Keep posting 🤩😃
Definitely would have the X-men book graded with Mr. Steranko’s signature. Met him at Baltimore comic-con several years ago and had two books signed and graded. As you stated loads of personality……and yes that handshake is legendary!!!
Steranko is one of my personal favs. Would love to have been there. Yeah 120 is tough to swallow...they know that. But still i would have pulled the trigger as well. Thanks for sharing mike
Good call. Get it slabbed right there. Get as many sigs from these guys as you can. Sad I’m getting back into this game after Kane and Buscema are gone. Sign them! Slab them!!
Great pick up on the Sandman 1. Those art prints are awesome. Jim Steranko is the best, will talk to everyone in line and has stories for days. I got my issues of X-Men 49 and 50, Incredible Hulk annual 1 and Mister Miracle 1 signed by him. He definitely got a kick out of signing the mister miracle. I love shows that have as many comic creators as possible. I was never a big signature guy but once I got one I couldn't stop. Love interacting with them. 👊🏼
I respect people who get books graded but it’s just not for me. I prefer raw in a bag and board. You summed up my thoughts perfectly with $120 you could just buy another comic! Great show and video as always! Great pick ups and signatures!
I think autographed books are a good reason to slab a book. You can get it witnessed to always have the date of when you got to meet the artist/writer. Some of my signed raw books, I'm always trying to remember what year I was at the convention or signing event.
I get wanting the book graded specifically with the yellow label, but I wish you could just get a certificate of authenticity instead of NEEDING to get a comic graded if you wanted the signature certified.
I love you got so many books signed there. Al Milgrom seems to be a staple there. The only thing that stinks is that it takes up all your time and leaves little time for digging through boxes!!😡…Sorry, that’s what happened to me last year
If you want to actually read this copy one day. Not just to enjoy it, but for the great memory of meeting Steranko. I'd say no, keep it raw. But if your never going to read this copy. Then yes get it graded, certified and slabbed.
Awesome show, comic talent alone seems well worth price of admission! With CGC verification now available I feel in the future if you are ever hesitant you can always lean to holding on to the books and encapsulating them later if needed. Only leaves up to debate whether witness vs verified holds value to you! Awesome video per usual!!!
Man! That comiccon looks awesome! Cool that Steranko and Shooter were there, I saw them at the comicon in Lexington, Ky earlier in March, in fact, I got Shooter's autograph secret wars #1, and got it graded! Just came back today actually! Super stoked, I wanted to get Steranko's as well, my heart said yes! but my pocket said no lol, thanks for the video as always! Looking forward to more content!! God bless and happy hunting!!
It was an incredible show. I had a few goals in mind. I think I brought like 30 books to get signed. I tried hard for my goal of getting Venom sketched on a Blank ASM 300 by Bagley. He refused to do Venom and did Spidey instead. But I did have another signed by Michelinie so I can in the future. I'm glad Bagley didn't charge too much for the sketch I did get. I actually bought a copy of Amazing Spidey 252 that I had Jim Shooter sign while I was getting the Secret Wars 8 signed. I kinda feel like CGC was definitely more visible than I've ever seen.
Mike Great Video. So fun. I don’t have slabbed books. Would normally say no. Keep it raw. But. This is Steanko and X-men 50. If u get one book slabbed. This is the book. U can’t go wrong. $125 is well worth it because it’s just such a great book and ……. It will always remind you of the experience. Thank you for sharing. Congrats. PS. I loved Conventional-Al
Mike, loved the con video and thrilled with your original artwork. Myfave is STORM< very nice artwork on ALL of them.. Have fun figuring out what golden/silver/ bronze treasures you'll need to evict from the Wonder Wall to display!!Cool that you got to mett Jim Steranko!! I attended a speech/Q &A in Pittsburgh ( But had zip to sign!!) A true original (and the inspiration for Mr Miracle!)
Hey your from Massachusetts im in little Rhody just south of you. This Comiccon reminded me of the late 70's & early 80's cons that were solely comics and the smell of back issues was thick in the air. I stopped going when they got so pop but this one looks geared for comic collectors
Yes, totally would have it graded. I did, and ended up getting Shield #1 signed too, but not graded. Dinner with Steranko was AMAZING! We didn’t leave until 11:30. He just keeps going, so many stories!
I remember when I met David michelinie when he came to my lcs for a signing any profits that were made were donated to a cat shelters. He was super nice even tho I was stuttering after every single word I said but one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. He also wanted me to let you know he's looking forward to your Chris Claremont X-Men collection video 🤣 ok maybe he didn't say that last part 👀
That's was a cool comic con that you and to. I'm about to go to my first one, and I need some pointers on what to do and not do, and how to get someone to witness a signature if you want it encapsulated
Hey Mike. I have been a fan since you pooped up on RU-vid. I love living vicariously through you. I sold my collection years ago and miss the hunt. I'm in my 50's and most of the stuff you pick up, I've had. I was big into first appearances. I have to tell you, every time you send a book out for grading, or pick up a graded book, it hurts a little. Early on, you didn't seem interested in the value, just the love of comics and I think they should always be available to look through and hold, but I get it. I'm sure that I'm in the minority. Do what feels right to you. I will always continue to watch regardless of your choice. By the way, I am going to be in the Worcester area this weekend. Which of the shops in that area would be the one to stop at if I only have time for one? I pretty much only buy trades and omnis now and any older Marvel nostalgia items.
Thanks for your candid opinion, but I assure you I’m not a big slab guy at all, only in very specific cases. And you should go to That’s Entertainment in Worcester, a very cool store to check out!
