“all are in mint condition still in origami plastic” Ah, no thanks! I likes my comics flat!!
Bored to tears, sitting home and out of the “action”, I daily surf the net looking for comics for sale. COVID-19 has made it extremely difficult to check out comic book offerings listed on auction sites. Usually, the pictures do not show close-ups and most sites have gone to “online only” with in-person inspections by appointment only. Adhering to common sense and guidelines, every site I have visited mentions the need to wear masks and follow those protocols, EXCEPT that one I visited in PA over a month ago and had to leave almost immediately due to no such requirements. Their weekly auction listing still doesn’t mention any precautions necessary. Really?
Desperate, I even check out Craigslist. The vast majority of the posts mentioning comics are from others like me wanting to buy those four-color treasures. Those listing comics for sale are all too often from people who have no idea as to condition or value. For example, a relatively local person to our shop has several individual comics listed for “pie in the sky” prices. Need a raw, unbagged copy of Adventures of Superman # 500? There’s one up for grabs for 50 bucks! If already sold, get back to me – I could save you $49. Another person practices a storage method that I do not recommend as his/her comics are in “vinal (sp) sleeves”. And those in the “origami plastic”, they’re available on the CL, also.
So, it’s been tough picking up any new inventory. Comics are doing well even with the economy being affected by the pandemic. The tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman has created a huge spike in the sales of the first appearance of Shuri. Forget the guide if you’re hunting first appearances of Star Wars characters, as well as Turtles (grab a Raphael #1 if it’s cheap), and others that will make their debut in an upcoming film or TV series!
Although 2020 has been a real Festivus type of year, we’re in the holiday season now and I truly believe that we have reason to expect better things in the coming year. Thank you for sticking with us! Have patience, believe in science, and STAY SAFE!