Mike Wilbur, the Director of Operations at Diamond International Galleries (DIG) and Gemstone Publishing, retired on Friday, March 31, 2023. Wilbur spent over 30 years working for Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE).

To commemorate his retirement, GFE Chairman and CEO Steve Geppi presented Wilbur with an award for his 30 years of service. A dinner was held in his honor, attended by members of multiple GFE companies.

Wilbur joined DIG on July 1, 1992 when Geppi purchased Sparkle City Comics. From then until 1994, he worked on Sparkle City’s convention appearances as well as various office duties at DIG. In ’95 he moved into the role of Shipping Coordinator for DIG and held that position until 2010. Then he was promoted to Director of Operations for both DIG and Gemstone Publishing, and held that position until the time of his retirement.

“For as long as The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide has been at Gemstone Publishing, Mike has led the effort to get the Overstreet Advisor and advertiser copies out on a timely basis and made sure they were packed so well that nothing short of the Hulk could damage them. Even though he’s officially retired, we’re glad to know that he’s coming back in July for a week to once more make sure all of his shipping magic happens again,” said J.C. Vaughn, President of Gemstone Publishing.