Leading up to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #50 release, Gemstone Publishing will commemorate the milestone by diving into the publication’s rich history. Over the Guide’s five decades in print, thousands upon thousands of comic books have been priced, the market has been meticulously studied, and creators, characters, and publishing houses have been featured with detailed coverage. With the 50th edition comes time to revisit how comic values have steadily (sometimes astronomically) risen over the years and reflect on contributions made in crafting the Guide.

As managing editor at Gemstone Publishing, Tom Gordon used his deep knowledge of comics and collectibles to work on many aspects of the Guide and other in-house publications. Looking back on his time with Gemstone, Gordon recalled the diverse aspects of his job, how he joined the staff, what he enjoyed about working on the Guide, and his thoughts on the book’s significance.

Scoop: Tell me about your position at Gemstone. What did you do for the company?
Tom Gordon (TG): I was the managing editor from 2003-2008. My role included working on a vast array of compiling data for the various publications including the Guide, but also Scoop, the Hake’s guides, and other publications. I also was a writer/contributor to Scoop on a weekly basis. I also was involved in advertising and proofreading and writing for the Gemstone publications. 

Scoop: What were your duties specifically for the Guide?
TG: My duties for the Guide included writing, editing, and proofreading. I also spent time tracking and recording not only sales data, but also historical data while also reviewing it. I was also responsible for working on advertising and working with advertisers. 

Scoop: Why did you want to work on the Guide?
TG: I was approached by John Snyder (former Gemstone Publishing president). John also ran several other companies for Steve Geppi including Diamond International Galleries at the time. The desire was to bring me into the company given my knowledge across the board in the comics and the collectibles market. 

For me, having the opportunity to work at Gemstone Publishing, and on the Guide in particular, was an experience that allowed me to interact with many of the legends and greats of comic fandom. This included not only comic artists and creators, but also dealers and collectors alike. It also was an opportunity to be on the other side of the page so to speak. Instead of just reading and using the Guide I was able to be a part of it and contribute to the field and hobby overall. 

Scoop: Did you read the Guide prior to working for Gemstone?
TG: Absolutely, the Guide is the bible of comics and I started out at a very young age just looking at the book. I honestly was looking at it long before I officially collected comics and was reading it. Growing up in the antiques and collectibles business my dad had copies of the Guide on the shelf in his antique shop. I used to spend countless hours poring over the photos and the ads. Once I was a little older and began buy and selling comics as kid, I used the Guide heavily to price and also reference historical data. I also would record copies of rare books I found if they were noted to only exist in limited quantities or if I discovered comics not listed in the Guide. 

Scoop: What are some of your favorite moments from working on the Guide?
TG: I’d have to say being officially added as an advisor in 2002 in the 32nd edition would be a memorable moment as prior to that I had been contributing information to Bob and the Guide for a number of years. Getting to work one on one with Bob Overstreet and some of the insightful conversations he and I had regarding the comic market and pricing. They were invaluable from understanding what Bob did to not only create the Guide, but also in maintaining it. Also, learning how the Guide started out in the early days was eye opening as it was a very different time in comics that most later collectors have little understanding of that time. 

Being a part of the overall history of the Guide and working in this great business and hobby. Enjoying on a daily basis not only seeing the original art to the Guide covers. I had the original Guide #31 cover art by Murphy Anderson to Detective Comics #31 and the cover art to Guide #10 and #21 by Alex Schomburg at one point in my office. How can anyone just enjoy walking into the office when that’s around you in the workplace.

Also, interacting with various comic legends like Jerry Robinson, Murphy Anderson, and others were highlights of working on the Guide.

Scoop: How has working on the Guide impacted you since you left Gemstone?
TG: As an advisor I still assist Bob and the staff at Gemstone Publishing supplying pricing data and information on a wide spectrum of the Guide. I also, continue to turn up interesting and fun details that have been lost to history. I continue to share it with others including Overstreet or CGC so historical data can be improved or added for the hobby. Working on the Guide also impacted me by giving me additional skills and perspective when looking at the marketplace and buying and selling.