As the release date for The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #49 rapidly approaches, Scoop sat down with Associate Editor Amanda Sheriff for a look at what fans and collectors can expect from the 2019 edition. From brainstorming ideas to polishing the final draft, Sheriff offers her inside perspective on how the Guide goes from concept to creation.
Scoop: Can you start by telling our readers about your involvement in the Price Guide?
Amanda Sheriff: I work primarily on the editorial side of the Guide. So, when it comes time to brainstorm ideas for anniversaries, character features, and Hall of Fame inductions, I help with that. Then I write some of those articles and edit other features. I also help with ideas for the covers and I’m happy to say that some of my ideas have been used.
Scoop: Character anniversaries have become a popular part of the Guide. Which anniversaries or tributes can readers expect this year?
AS: We take a look at characters from throughout comics history, so a few include Zorro, Flash Gordon, Namor, and Supergirl.
Scoop: Several different covers for specific versions of the Price Guide are released each year. What is your favorite cover for this year? Were your ideas utilized on any of them?
AS: That’s tough because all the #49 covers are beautiful. I’m a big fan of Firefly, so it’s really exciting to see some of those characters on a cover, but I have to say the Batman Rogues cover is just too cool. When we talked about a Batman cover for his 80th, I suggested a villain cover. I can’t say that my suggestion led to that awesome Tony Daniel cover, but I hope it was helpful.
Scoop: Which features did you write for the 49th edition of the Price Guide?
AS: I wrote a few anniversary pieces on Flash Gordon, Sandman, Supergirl, and Falcon, as well as a Hall of Fame entry.
Scoop: New creators are honored annually by being added to The Overstreet Hall of Fame. What is involved in determining which creators are inducted?
AS: Our team goes back and forth compiling a list of creators that we think are good candidates, then discuss their contributions to the hobby. Some are no brainers, of course, but there are others who might appeal to some fans more than others. I made a suggestion for this year that got vetoed, and I was bummed by that, but honestly, it shows that we are being objective and rigorous in our goal of honoring those who have had significant impacts on comics.
Scoop: What are some of your favorite aspects in this edition of the Price Guide?
AS: The whole thing is great! I like reading the market reports to learn from dealers’ perspectives, I review prices to see what my collection is worth and make notes for possible future purchases, and the character anniversaries are entertaining and informative.
Scoop: As a fan and a collector yourself, how does it feel to be involved in a book that is considered the “Bible of serious comic book collectors, dealers and historians?”
AS: It feels great! I’ve always felt that entertainment – whether it’s literature or film/TV or music – plays a major role in our lives, not just to entertain but to educate and broaden our perspective. I’ve talked to people who express how comics gave them a safe space from bad life circumstances or inspired them to be brave or showed them how to deal with anger or depression. At the same time, these comics have become a great economic force that sustains creators, collectors, and lucky people like me who get to write about them. Yeah, working on the Guide feels great.
