You've probably already hear the news about this newly discovered, graded and sold (privately) copy of Marvel Comics #1. Even though I'm late to the party I wanted to share some thoughts on this book.
- l haven't graded enough CBCS books to have a good feel for the way they judge page quality, but even without that knowledge I can see this book is supernaturally bright. It's just amazing to see any book (especially non Church/Reilly) from that era remain this bright after all these years.
- This book always has registration problems. One of the important aspects of the near-mythical Church copy is that it's supposed to have perfect registration in addition to being nearly perfectly preserved. This copy? The yellow plate went for went for a jog around the block and then collapsed in a heap.
- I appreciate the fact that CBCS is putting "November Copy" on the label.
- How crazy is it that a book of this magnitude could just show up at CBCS? Collectors and dealers, take note, the well isn't completely dry yet. I don't know how often books like this will show up, as soon the years will favor the Golden Age books all being uncovered. But there's still plenty of room for some Siler Age stunners to come out of the woodwork over the next 20 years
And this, my friends, is why I love this hobby.
By Peter Gkow March 25, 2016 - 8:08 am
First off. Love your site! I appreciate each and every content of your posts. Tell me more about the "registration" issue between this and the Church copy. Is there a photo of the Church copy to exist? Also, the "November Copy" is a reference to pedigree? Thanks so much!
By Rob March 25, 2016 - 8:17 am
On this copy, look at the yellow ghosting of (for example) the MARVEL COMICS that's offset about an inch down and to the right. That's from the paper being misaligned against the press when the book was printed. There are always small variations of that misalignment on this book. I have a bad photo of the Church copy. I'll dig it up and add it to the post.
"November Copy" refers to the month of publication indicated on the cover. There are "October" (that say "Oct") copies and "November" copies (With the blacked out month in the circle in the upper right) The story is, they extended the print run significantly two weeks after the initial run (of 80.000 copies) after the fact and quickly blacked out the date so that they could extend the shelf life.
By Peter Gkow March 25, 2016 - 9:28 pm
Extraordinary ! The "November Copy" reference explanation particularly was an eye opener. I learned something. Thank you.