Thursday, May 2, 2024
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As we've mentioned several times in the past few months, Gemstone
Publishing is in the midst of a sustained drive to increase the ranks of the
Overstreet Advisors with top-level collectors, dealers and historians. Although
they're from many different backgrounds and walks of life, they all have one
thing in common: they want to see comic character collectibles do better and
believe that greater understanding is the path to doing better.
"We're extremely glad to have these new Overstreet Advisors on board," said author and publisher Robert M. Overstreet. "As we've always said, the Guide is only as good as the input it gets. The additions we made in the second half of 2004 and those we're making in the first half of 2005 will enhance our ability to produce the best information possible."
Here's a round-up of the new advisors:
TYLER ALEXANDER
Tyler Alexander, Chief Operations Officer of David T. Alexander Collectibles, has not only joined the Overstreet Advisor team, he's the only second generation member.
His affinity for comic books began at birth, having been born in Tarzana, CA, the town created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and the original home of Tarzan. Comic books were an extreme influence on Alexander's life as his father is long time dealer David T. Alexander, who is a Senior Advisor to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and founder of California's American Comic Book Company.
"The visceral colors and media stimulation of comic book covers got my attention as a child," explains Tyler. "Growing up, their influence made it easy for me to learn to read and write, plus my appreciation of art has been greatly influenced by my life with comics."
Tyler's first impact on comic book history was as a contributor to the original volume of Ernie Gerber's Photo Journal Guide To Comic Books in 1990. He has also participated in many market reports during the last few years. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science, Tyler took a full time position with David T. Alexander Collectibles and has recently been appointed as Chief Operations Officer of the organization.
"Golden-Age comics are the most fun to own and research. My current goal is to locate comic books that have yet to be documented in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide," he said.
MICHAEL EURY
As part of our efforts to document all eras of comics, Gemstone Publishing is pleased to announce the addition of author/editor Michael Eury, another recognized expert, to the Overstreet Advisor team.
Eury is currently editing and co-writing the bimonthly comic-book publication Back Issue to both rave reviews and a strong subscription base. A former editor for DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Comico the Comic Company, Eury has authored three books on pop-culture icons: Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure (TwoMorrows Publishing, 2002); Dick Giordano: Changing Comics, One Day at a Time (TwoMorrows, 2003); and The Superhero Book: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic Book Icons and Hollywood Heroes (co-author; Visible Ink Press, 2004).
"Whether one talks about his insider understanding of comics in the '80s and '90s, his important contributions documenting the history of Captain Action, profiling Dick Giordano, editing and writing Back Issue, or working on any of his other projects, Michael Eury brings a love of the material and a passion to get it right to everything he does," said Executive Editor J.C. Vaughn. "He is a welcome addition to our team."
Eury is currently writing an as-yet-unannounced, two-volume Companion series for TwoMorrows exploring the history of one of comics' most famous super-teams. Eury has edited and/or written Legion of Super-Heroes, New Gods, Who's Who in the DC Universe (winner of the 1990 Diamond Gem Award for "Innovation of the Year"), The Elementals, She-Hulk, Looney Tunes, The Mask, Godzilla, Hero Zero, The Flintstones, Superman vs. Aliens, and Batman vs. Predator II; has written package copy for Marvel Comics Mini-Busts (Bowen Designs); has written catalog descriptions for Heritage Comics auctions; and has created and/or written cartoons and comics for Nike, Toys R Us, Warner Bros., the Microsoft Network, and Cracked magazine.
PETER DIXON
One of the leading submitters of CGC books and a real pioneer in the specialty area of CGC Signature Series comics, Peter Dixon of Toronto's Paradise Comics is also the promoter of the increasingly popular Toronto Comicon (http://www.torontocomicon.com).
Paradise Comics has specialized in the buying and selling of Silver Age and Golden Age comics since its inception in 1992. And while Dixon centers his business on Silver Age, Golden Age and CGC-graded comics, he and his staff have also expanded their interests into gaming (Magic: The Gathering, Yu•Gi•Oh!, Pokémon, and Hero-Clix), original comic art, supplies, and other toys.
"Peter Dixon and his staff have quickly gained a reputation for their CGC-graded stock in comics and magazines," said Managing Editor Tom Gordon III. "They have been regular contributors of information and market reports for our publications since they joined us."
STEVE MORTENSON
Steve Mortenson of Colossus Comics thinks this is a great time for comics.
"I think we are in the middle of a new Golden Age for comic books," the California-based retailer said. "The writing is a lot better than what it was when I started collecting. The art is also at a higher level. The story telling is so original that each plays out like a mini-movie. Many of the producers in television and film have begun to recognize these talents and I think that we will see more extensions from comics to other media and popular culture in the near future."
In recent months, Mortenson has made a name for himself by offering a subscription service for certified high grade modern comic book issues.
"The certified 9.8 subscription service has been received well by those who are buying modern comics with the intention of holding them and preserving them for the long haul," he said. "Of course, we're now seeing certain titles just a couple months old going for $50-100 (and more) when certified 9.8. But I think our subscription customers are more interested in adding top-quality books to their ongoing collection rather than a quick turnaround."
"As certification continues to gain acceptance, we're going to have to continue aggressively monitoring how the habits of collectors continue to change," said Overstreet. "It's important for us to include contributors like Steve Mortenson and Colossus Comics in our efforts to document what's going on right now. We look forward to his ongoing contributions."
KEN STRIBLING
A part-time dealer with two retail stores and two major areas of specialization, Ken Stribling has been in the comic book business since he was fourteen years old. He ran his first ad in Comics Buyer's Guide in 1974, attended his first convention in 1975, and established himself as a serious student of the Quality line of comics from the Golden Age (Crack, Hit, Smash, Police, Plastic Man, National, Uncle Sam, Dollman, etc.) and comic book fanzines from the 1950s to present. He has an extensive collection of each category and is still adding to it.
"I don't consider myself a full-time dealer, as I make my living otherwise," said Stribling. "However, I have been buying and selling comics since I was fourteen years old (I am now 44). Currently, I own two comic book stores, Action Island in the Jackson, Mississippi metro area and Action Island Gulf Coast, in Biloxi, Mississippi. I still buy and sell comics and related items via mail order, Internet, and at shows and conventions. Most of my weekends are spent traveling to buy collections, store stock, etc."
He said he began collecting comics in 1966 when he first saw the Batman television show. A mere seven years old at the time, he credits comic books with accelerating his reading skills and teaching him how to draw. In addition to being an Overstreet advertiser since 1996, Stribling said that his comics career had made him unique and helped him in his regular job.
"Aside from the fact that I am a Christian, most of my fellow dealers and fans know that I have a background in government and politics," said Stribling. "My first job out of college was in the Reagan White House and in 1985 I was appointed to a position in the office of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole. I was later elected four times to the Mississippi House of Representatives in the 1980s and 1990s. I served twelve years in the Mississippi House. You don't find many elected officials who are avowed comic collectors, much less who own comic shops. However, I must say that years of hammering out comic deals and negotiating collection purchases really helped me when I was negotiating on legislation."
CHARLES S. NOVINSKIE
Silver Age Marvel specialist Charlie Novinskie is a longtime contributor to numerous Gemstone publications, including Overstreet's Comic Price Review, Hake's Price Guide To Character Toys, and The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. He has seen his love of collecting comics carry him in the business side of the field. After participating in numerous fan organizations and contributing to publications such as Amazing Heroes, Novinskie was a regular correspondent for Marvel Age. From his acquaintance with its editor Jim Salicrup, he then landed at Topps, where he worked on the trading card company's comic line in marketing and editorial capacities. Following an opportunity to move back to Colorado, he published several issues of Comic Spotlight before being temporarily sidelined by health concerns. Now fully active in the field again, we're extremely pleased to have him as an advisor.
"The first Overstreet I purchased was back in 1975, the year I graduated from high school," said Novinskie. "Growing up in a small town really didn't afford me the opportunity to compare prices with fellow collectors. Overstreet opened up a whole new aspect of collecting for me and I haven't missed an issue since that time. I've always enjoyed the fact that I grew up with the Guide and that I could always count on it having the most accurate, up-to-date information. Looking back, I now recognize that I learned quite a bit from those early guides about grading and who the major players were in the industry. Reading and studying it at an early age was like getting an education, only in a fun sort of way!"
In addition to Silver Age titles, Novinskie said he's very interested in the Bronze Age market, "comics that I bought off of the rack." He is also the owner of a "Seduction of the Innocent collection," a run of the issues featured in Dr. Frederic Wertham's infamous book.
DAVE ROBIE
Gemstone Publishing and The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide recently welcomed noted dealer and Big Little Book enthusiast Dave Robie as their newest advisor, following on the heels of the addition of Big Little Books and related publications to the Guide with this year's edition. Robie will provide pricing advice and other observations for the Guide and Gemstone's other publications. Dave Robie has been collecting Big Little Books for over 30 years. He is a literary agent and stage actor.
"I've been in love with Big Little Books for years, ever since my father gave me the two he had as a boy (Wings of the USA and The West Point Five)," said Robie. "Even today, there are few children's items that can compare to the unique qualities that made BLBs the hottest thing for children in the '30s. It has been so refreshing to see the recent rise in popularity of collecting BLBs and the attention that has long been overdue."
DOUG SCHMELL
Newly named Overstreet Advisor Doug Schmell made a splash with the announcement of his Internet comic book company, Pedigree Comics, Inc., but this long-time collector's obsession with Marvel comics dates back to the 1970s in Spring Valley, New York.
Schmell entered into the back issue market in 1973 during his childhood, when he traded several old silver dollars to another camper for several X-Men comics. Almost immediately he began locating and organizing runs of Marvels. By 1993 he had formed relationships with some nationally known comic dealers and was looking to purchase Near Mint or better comics and magazines. He was specifically interested in picking up comics from pedigree or single-owner collections.
In the process of amassing thousands of high grade Marvels, he found himself one of the handful of non-dealer collectors who attended the initial meeting discussing the creation of a third party grading service that turned out to be CGC. By opening Pedigree Comics, Doug has found a way to share his love for high grade Marvels and at the same time provide data on Silver, Bronze, and Copper Age comics for OCPR, the Guide and other Gemstone projects.
AL STOLTZ
Al Stoltz of Basement Comics is known for his expertise in many different areas, including giveaway comics. He began collecting and selling in 1974 after buying his first copy of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. He worked for Steve Geppi at Geppi's Comic World from 1984 to 1991.
"I managed to learn even more about rare material and cool stuff [just from the material] Steve would show you laying around his incredible office," he said. Stoltz started Basement Comics in 1991 and is a Power Seller on eBay.
"Al has a great enthusiasm for books that many people might overlook," said John K. Snyder, Jr., Gemstone's Chief Administrative Officer. "We're extremely pleased to have him contributing information about giveaway comics and lots of other items."
MARC NATHAN
The owner of Cards, Comics & Collectibles and promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con is a veteran retailer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He's also a life-long collector with a particular passion: Christmas comics.
"When I was four or five, my first comic was a Jughead that I got as a gift on Christmas day with my other gifts. It wasn't a Christmas-themed issue, but it's something I've always associated with Christmas," he said. It wasn't long before he was tracking down comics all over his hometown of Reisterstown, Maryland.
Eventually he opened his store, which carries just about anything related to comic character collectibles, specializing in Golden Age through Modern Age comics, including baseball cards. It was the baseball cards that lead to his famous moonlighting gig.
"The person who was the Bird prior to me came in the store as a baseball card collector. I ended up going on appearances with him. Then he was going to move onto another job. I expressed interest, and it worked out that I became the Bird in 1986," he said.
For the next five years he worked games at Memorial Stadium and numerous other events. Comic shop owner by day, Bird by night. Comics took over, though, and he gave up the Bird role and then created the role of Louie the Bowie Baysox, the mascot of the Oriole's farm team. Several years after retiring from the mascot business he launched the Baltimore Comic-Con.
Marc is one of a handful of retailers who are comfortable in older comics, newer comics, at shows, in the store and on eBay at the same time. He was a contributor to The Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide.
PAUL LITCH
Paul Litch, has been one of the original members of the grading team for Comics Guaranty, LLC (CGC) since its inception in 1999. Paul was the first grader to be hired by Steve Borock and Mark Haspel and served as their pre-grader until 2001 when he was named CGC's Modern Age Specialist and began finalizing the Modern Tier. Prior to joining CGC, Paul's eye had been strengthened by years of photojournalism work where he was not only a photographer but also a professional dark room technician. The intricate details of dark room work helped focus Paul's eye for comic book grading and restoration detection, which has now been sharpened by years of working alongside such industry experts as Steve Borock, Mark Haspel and Chris Friesen.
Paul has been actively involved in many aspects of the hobby. Before he became an integral part of CGC, he had been collecting comics since he was seven. Early on, he collected mainly Marvels, saving his extra milk money for some older Bronze Age comics. By high school, the focus of his collection shifted to DC Silver Age. Since joining CGC, Paul's collecting habits have slowed down and moved towards esoteric comics. Even though he doesn't collect as much, he always gets his weekly comics, staying on top of all the variants, market trends and good reads.
In 1997, Paul graduated with honors from Rutgers University, where he was a founder of the Cartoonists Association of Rutgers (CAR), which produced a weekly all-comics newspaper, John Doe Comics, as well as a tri-annual full-color book, CAR Comics. After college, he self-published his own book, Shifty Comics, until he began working for CGC.
At CGC, Paul was instrumental in helping to go through the data gathered from the grading census gathered during the summer of 1999 from many of the industry's top collectors and dealers. Paul was also involved in the creation of the prestigious CGC Signature Series line, which has been embraced by fans and collectors alike.
2004 was a great year for Paul. He was named a Senior Grader at CGC and now joins CGC's Steve Borock and Mark Haspel as an Overstreet Advisor in the area of grading.
WELDON ADAMS
A life-long collector, comics historian Weldon Adams started working in the comics industry in retail in the early 1980s. Since then he has worked for publishers, distributors and retailers in both the comics and gaming sides of the industry.
For the last seven years, he has been actively researching the use of comics in schools, particularly the Texas History Movies, first published in the 1920s for use in Texas schools.
"It has been reprinted, reformatted, and even knocked-off," Adams said
"Comics have always been a great tool for encouraging reading, even if teachers in many places didn't think so for a long time. It's been great to see in Scoop how drastically and quickly that's changing," said Adams. "As we're getting closer and closer to schools embracing graphic literature, I think it's important to revisit the forgotten successes of the past."
Adams has written a detailed history of this Platinum Age wonder for the upcoming edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.
LAWRENCE LOWERY
Gemstone Publishing is extremely pleased to announce the addition of Lawrence Lowery to the ranks of the Overstreet Advisors. He will be offering his advice on the content and context on Big Little Books and related publications, and made a special contribution to the recently published Big Big Little Book Book.
"We're very excited to have Professor Lowery on board," said Editor Arnold T. Blumberg. "Serious collectors owe him a debt of gratitude for all the research he's done over the years and we're happy to be able to add his personal experience to that of our Overstreet Advisors."
Lowery is a professor emeritus in science and mathematics education at the University of California at Berkeley. His research has focused upon how people learn and ways by which that learning can be made more effective. With a major in English as well as his background in math and science, he has authored over 60 books, ranging from children's books to college texts. His hobby is collecting children's books, and his collection of Whitman publications, especially Big Little Books and similar books, is the most extensive in the world with over 1,600 different titles and related items. In 1981 he wrote the Collector's Guide to Big Little Books and Similar Books (the first book to tell the history of BLBs), and beginning in 1982, he has continued to be the president of the Big Little Book Club. At its peak, the Club had over 1,200 active members.
Lowery continues to publish and edit articles and books, the most recent being The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia (New York and London, 1993), Pathways-Guidelines to Implementing the Science Standards (NSTA publication, 1997), The Biological Basis for Thinking and Learning (Lawrence Hall of Science Monograph, 1998), How Science Curriculums Reflect Brain Research (Phi Delta Kappan article, November 1998), one of several authors of Teaching for Inquiry (National Science Education Standards Addendum, 2000), Developing Minds (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001), and The Nature of Inquiry (NRC, Science, Technology, and Children, 2002).
Professor Lowery has also received numerous awards: Outstanding Science Educator of the Year (1992, Association for the Education of Teachers of Science (AETS); Distinguished Career In Science Award (1993), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA); Best Software Program in Mathematics (1996), Peter Rabbit's Math Garden, Newsweek Editor's Choice; President's Quality Gold Award (1998), Sandia Laboratories for Distinguished Program (LASER) in Science Education; Induction into the Science Hall of Fame (2002) - State of Texas award for contributions made to science education.
TODD McDEVITT
Most people guess that Todd McDevitt got started reading comics when he was a kid. The truth is that he got into them when most kids would normally outgrow that "silly kids' stuff." For the better part of his childhood, Matt Brady (who today reigns over Newsarama.com) tried to coax him into the hobby. Finally, at 16, when most young men's fancies sway to the fairer sex, he dove headfirst instead into the comic hobby.
"I remember my first comic as a collector was Alpha Flight #4. I'm sure that will make some veterans feel old, but now I have seen three different volumes of that book!" says McDevitt.
After a short stint of collecting, McDevitt and Brady joined forces - in the form of $100 and a small stack of comics each - to begin New Dimension Comics while the pair was still in high school. Selling to classmates, mail order, and local hobby shows, business was good. Then came the big step. The summer before their senior high school year, McDevitt wanted to open an actual storefront while Brady had other plans. McDevitt bought out Brady's half, which as it turns out was the beginning of a long trend for his buying fever. He has since purchased many giant inventories such as Eclipse Comics, Stan Lee Media, Another Universe, and countless complete stores.
The first location of New Dimension Comics opened in the small town of Ellwood City, PA in 1986. While Todd was in school, it was relocated inside an existing business which took sales during the day. Soon came college and Todd learned the skills of delegating early by hiring some help while he ran things by remote control. After graduating with a business degree from Washington & Jefferson College, McDevitt was still having so much fun with the business that he ignored "real" careers to pursue the comic 'biz' even further. Taking out a sizable loan, he opened a second store in a high-growth area, Cranberry Township, PA in 1991. After years of aggressive buying and selling, he bought his third location in Butler, PA in 2000. And in 2003, he opened a fourth location in the biggest mall in Pittsburgh, which has been called the biggest store in the area as well.
In between stores #3 and #4, McDevitt also got himself into a lot of trouble by buying a huge warehouse. "Having such a giant space to put stuff has made buying all that more dangerous for me. It's amazing how much I have packed in there in just a few years", says Todd. In fact, he now opens his warehouse in Ellwood City every Saturday to sell comics from there for only $1 each.
Todd has also taken a stab at publishing. He has commissioned several exclusive covers, most recently Witchblade #75 and Transformers: War Within #1. For his fifteenth anniversary in the comic business, he put his life story in comic book form with a painted cover by Joe Linsner.
"Behind every great man..." After many years a swinging single, Todd finally met the gal of his dreams. Yes - at a comic convention. When it came time to pop the question, Todd resorted to his favorite medium. With special permission from DC Comics, Todd asked his wife to marry him in the pages of Wonder Woman #179. And she still said "yes!"
Todd currently buys like a fiend, often shuttling - or trucking - the booty to his warehouse where he splits it up between his four stores, website (www.ndcomics.com) and eBay division. His days are spent chipping away at the unending pile of collectibles heaping in the warehouse. "My biggest challenge is keeping up with all the great collections that float my way. I hate to see any opportunity pass me by!" says McDevitt.
BRIAN BLOCK
Brian Block, the founder of WB Auction Services and manager of Renninger's Antique Market in Adamstown Pennsylvania is a collector/dealer with over 36 years of experience in antiques and collectibles field. He has recently joined the ranks of the Overstreet Advisors.
Brian has been active in comics and character collectibles since the age of ten. Along the way his interest in comic book history and overall views of the market have allowed him to not only build a substantial collection but also a vast knowledge of the business.
He sold his original comic book collection, including many high grade Golden Age comics, to finance his college education. In college, he majored in computer programming and software design with a 4.0 GPA and ranked first in his class. His collecting habits range from Victorian to Modern Age comics and include a deep appreciation and understanding for comic history. He also keeps up on all the latest news and market trends.
He manages Renninger's Antique Market in Adamstown Pennsylvania, which, along with two additional locations, is one of the largest antique markets in the country. In 1999, Brian founded WB Auction Services, which specializes in antiques and collectibles, with comic books being their number one specialty. In the past, WB Auction Services has discovered numerous original owner collections of Golden and Silver Age collections which they have offered to their Internet patrons.
JACK COPLEY
"When I bought my first back issue comic (a 16 year old Archie #79 for 50 cents) in 1972, I didn't dream 32 years later I would have every Archie comic.
I bought that comic in the first comic store I discovered. It was August, 1972, the store was only open 13 hours a week, and by the end of the year I was there all 13 hours working for credit. In the summer of 1977, my little store was bought by another company who immediately opened it full time, which was perfect for me - a full time job just out of high school! I split my time between two stores at first, then after about a year became a store manager and eventually an owner. In 1989, I left the comic world, even selling my near complete Archie collection that I had spent 17 years building. I used to joke that I'd never have to move a comic box again!
During that 17 years, I stopped in every model store looking for the Aurora Archie's Jalopy model I had seen advertised in the comics and never laid my eyes on one. In late 1995, I followed some friends into a hobby store, and in a display case at the back of the store, there it was calling out to me.
This led to me haunting antique stores and shows looking for Archie toys over the next couple of years. At a mall show in 1997, some dealer had a box of early 1970s Archies for 75 cents a piece. This officially started my second collection. I made a quick deal with my friend, who had accumulated Archies over the last five years, and I was on my way. Right away friends were quick to say 'Jack's back!' They tell me I was a lifeless shell while I was out of comics.
I started working part time for Graham Crackers Comics in 1998, posting comics on eBay for them in the spring of 2001 when the company for which I worked full time (magazine production) went under. Graham Crackers quickly told me, 'No job hunting for you.' Since I've been with Graham Crackers, in addition to traveling all over the country to comic shows (20-30 a year) I've been a buyer, grader, and pricer and still keep a staff pushing things out on eBay!
After only seven years (thanks to traveling to shows and the magic of eBay), I have completed my Archie collection. I don't collect the Archie Comics superhero line, Katy Keene, Turtles, or Hedgehogs (unless Archie or his gang are in them), though I may sometime decide to do so. There are things I still need, like shoe store giveaways, a drug store giveaway and a boy scout outfitter (to name the ones I know). I will still be hunting Archies as I can almost always find one or two to upgrade my copies.
I did decide in the last couple of years that all this accumulated knowledge needs to be shared, so I have been out there telling folks the Archie information that I know that others might not.
"We're extremely glad to have these new Overstreet Advisors on board," said author and publisher Robert M. Overstreet. "As we've always said, the Guide is only as good as the input it gets. The additions we made in the second half of 2004 and those we're making in the first half of 2005 will enhance our ability to produce the best information possible."
Here's a round-up of the new advisors:
TYLER ALEXANDER
Tyler Alexander, Chief Operations Officer of David T. Alexander Collectibles, has not only joined the Overstreet Advisor team, he's the only second generation member.
His affinity for comic books began at birth, having been born in Tarzana, CA, the town created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and the original home of Tarzan. Comic books were an extreme influence on Alexander's life as his father is long time dealer David T. Alexander, who is a Senior Advisor to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and founder of California's American Comic Book Company.
"The visceral colors and media stimulation of comic book covers got my attention as a child," explains Tyler. "Growing up, their influence made it easy for me to learn to read and write, plus my appreciation of art has been greatly influenced by my life with comics."
Tyler's first impact on comic book history was as a contributor to the original volume of Ernie Gerber's Photo Journal Guide To Comic Books in 1990. He has also participated in many market reports during the last few years. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science, Tyler took a full time position with David T. Alexander Collectibles and has recently been appointed as Chief Operations Officer of the organization.
"Golden-Age comics are the most fun to own and research. My current goal is to locate comic books that have yet to be documented in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide," he said.
MICHAEL EURY
As part of our efforts to document all eras of comics, Gemstone Publishing is pleased to announce the addition of author/editor Michael Eury, another recognized expert, to the Overstreet Advisor team.
Eury is currently editing and co-writing the bimonthly comic-book publication Back Issue to both rave reviews and a strong subscription base. A former editor for DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Comico the Comic Company, Eury has authored three books on pop-culture icons: Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure (TwoMorrows Publishing, 2002); Dick Giordano: Changing Comics, One Day at a Time (TwoMorrows, 2003); and The Superhero Book: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic Book Icons and Hollywood Heroes (co-author; Visible Ink Press, 2004).
"Whether one talks about his insider understanding of comics in the '80s and '90s, his important contributions documenting the history of Captain Action, profiling Dick Giordano, editing and writing Back Issue, or working on any of his other projects, Michael Eury brings a love of the material and a passion to get it right to everything he does," said Executive Editor J.C. Vaughn. "He is a welcome addition to our team."
Eury is currently writing an as-yet-unannounced, two-volume Companion series for TwoMorrows exploring the history of one of comics' most famous super-teams. Eury has edited and/or written Legion of Super-Heroes, New Gods, Who's Who in the DC Universe (winner of the 1990 Diamond Gem Award for "Innovation of the Year"), The Elementals, She-Hulk, Looney Tunes, The Mask, Godzilla, Hero Zero, The Flintstones, Superman vs. Aliens, and Batman vs. Predator II; has written package copy for Marvel Comics Mini-Busts (Bowen Designs); has written catalog descriptions for Heritage Comics auctions; and has created and/or written cartoons and comics for Nike, Toys R Us, Warner Bros., the Microsoft Network, and Cracked magazine.
PETER DIXON
One of the leading submitters of CGC books and a real pioneer in the specialty area of CGC Signature Series comics, Peter Dixon of Toronto's Paradise Comics is also the promoter of the increasingly popular Toronto Comicon (http://www.torontocomicon.com).
Paradise Comics has specialized in the buying and selling of Silver Age and Golden Age comics since its inception in 1992. And while Dixon centers his business on Silver Age, Golden Age and CGC-graded comics, he and his staff have also expanded their interests into gaming (Magic: The Gathering, Yu•Gi•Oh!, Pokémon, and Hero-Clix), original comic art, supplies, and other toys.
"Peter Dixon and his staff have quickly gained a reputation for their CGC-graded stock in comics and magazines," said Managing Editor Tom Gordon III. "They have been regular contributors of information and market reports for our publications since they joined us."
STEVE MORTENSON
Steve Mortenson of Colossus Comics thinks this is a great time for comics.
"I think we are in the middle of a new Golden Age for comic books," the California-based retailer said. "The writing is a lot better than what it was when I started collecting. The art is also at a higher level. The story telling is so original that each plays out like a mini-movie. Many of the producers in television and film have begun to recognize these talents and I think that we will see more extensions from comics to other media and popular culture in the near future."
In recent months, Mortenson has made a name for himself by offering a subscription service for certified high grade modern comic book issues.
"The certified 9.8 subscription service has been received well by those who are buying modern comics with the intention of holding them and preserving them for the long haul," he said. "Of course, we're now seeing certain titles just a couple months old going for $50-100 (and more) when certified 9.8. But I think our subscription customers are more interested in adding top-quality books to their ongoing collection rather than a quick turnaround."
"As certification continues to gain acceptance, we're going to have to continue aggressively monitoring how the habits of collectors continue to change," said Overstreet. "It's important for us to include contributors like Steve Mortenson and Colossus Comics in our efforts to document what's going on right now. We look forward to his ongoing contributions."
KEN STRIBLING
A part-time dealer with two retail stores and two major areas of specialization, Ken Stribling has been in the comic book business since he was fourteen years old. He ran his first ad in Comics Buyer's Guide in 1974, attended his first convention in 1975, and established himself as a serious student of the Quality line of comics from the Golden Age (Crack, Hit, Smash, Police, Plastic Man, National, Uncle Sam, Dollman, etc.) and comic book fanzines from the 1950s to present. He has an extensive collection of each category and is still adding to it.
"I don't consider myself a full-time dealer, as I make my living otherwise," said Stribling. "However, I have been buying and selling comics since I was fourteen years old (I am now 44). Currently, I own two comic book stores, Action Island in the Jackson, Mississippi metro area and Action Island Gulf Coast, in Biloxi, Mississippi. I still buy and sell comics and related items via mail order, Internet, and at shows and conventions. Most of my weekends are spent traveling to buy collections, store stock, etc."
He said he began collecting comics in 1966 when he first saw the Batman television show. A mere seven years old at the time, he credits comic books with accelerating his reading skills and teaching him how to draw. In addition to being an Overstreet advertiser since 1996, Stribling said that his comics career had made him unique and helped him in his regular job.
"Aside from the fact that I am a Christian, most of my fellow dealers and fans know that I have a background in government and politics," said Stribling. "My first job out of college was in the Reagan White House and in 1985 I was appointed to a position in the office of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole. I was later elected four times to the Mississippi House of Representatives in the 1980s and 1990s. I served twelve years in the Mississippi House. You don't find many elected officials who are avowed comic collectors, much less who own comic shops. However, I must say that years of hammering out comic deals and negotiating collection purchases really helped me when I was negotiating on legislation."
CHARLES S. NOVINSKIE
Silver Age Marvel specialist Charlie Novinskie is a longtime contributor to numerous Gemstone publications, including Overstreet's Comic Price Review, Hake's Price Guide To Character Toys, and The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. He has seen his love of collecting comics carry him in the business side of the field. After participating in numerous fan organizations and contributing to publications such as Amazing Heroes, Novinskie was a regular correspondent for Marvel Age. From his acquaintance with its editor Jim Salicrup, he then landed at Topps, where he worked on the trading card company's comic line in marketing and editorial capacities. Following an opportunity to move back to Colorado, he published several issues of Comic Spotlight before being temporarily sidelined by health concerns. Now fully active in the field again, we're extremely pleased to have him as an advisor.
"The first Overstreet I purchased was back in 1975, the year I graduated from high school," said Novinskie. "Growing up in a small town really didn't afford me the opportunity to compare prices with fellow collectors. Overstreet opened up a whole new aspect of collecting for me and I haven't missed an issue since that time. I've always enjoyed the fact that I grew up with the Guide and that I could always count on it having the most accurate, up-to-date information. Looking back, I now recognize that I learned quite a bit from those early guides about grading and who the major players were in the industry. Reading and studying it at an early age was like getting an education, only in a fun sort of way!"
In addition to Silver Age titles, Novinskie said he's very interested in the Bronze Age market, "comics that I bought off of the rack." He is also the owner of a "Seduction of the Innocent collection," a run of the issues featured in Dr. Frederic Wertham's infamous book.
DAVE ROBIE
Gemstone Publishing and The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide recently welcomed noted dealer and Big Little Book enthusiast Dave Robie as their newest advisor, following on the heels of the addition of Big Little Books and related publications to the Guide with this year's edition. Robie will provide pricing advice and other observations for the Guide and Gemstone's other publications. Dave Robie has been collecting Big Little Books for over 30 years. He is a literary agent and stage actor.
"I've been in love with Big Little Books for years, ever since my father gave me the two he had as a boy (Wings of the USA and The West Point Five)," said Robie. "Even today, there are few children's items that can compare to the unique qualities that made BLBs the hottest thing for children in the '30s. It has been so refreshing to see the recent rise in popularity of collecting BLBs and the attention that has long been overdue."
DOUG SCHMELL
Newly named Overstreet Advisor Doug Schmell made a splash with the announcement of his Internet comic book company, Pedigree Comics, Inc., but this long-time collector's obsession with Marvel comics dates back to the 1970s in Spring Valley, New York.
Schmell entered into the back issue market in 1973 during his childhood, when he traded several old silver dollars to another camper for several X-Men comics. Almost immediately he began locating and organizing runs of Marvels. By 1993 he had formed relationships with some nationally known comic dealers and was looking to purchase Near Mint or better comics and magazines. He was specifically interested in picking up comics from pedigree or single-owner collections.
In the process of amassing thousands of high grade Marvels, he found himself one of the handful of non-dealer collectors who attended the initial meeting discussing the creation of a third party grading service that turned out to be CGC. By opening Pedigree Comics, Doug has found a way to share his love for high grade Marvels and at the same time provide data on Silver, Bronze, and Copper Age comics for OCPR, the Guide and other Gemstone projects.
AL STOLTZ
Al Stoltz of Basement Comics is known for his expertise in many different areas, including giveaway comics. He began collecting and selling in 1974 after buying his first copy of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. He worked for Steve Geppi at Geppi's Comic World from 1984 to 1991.
"I managed to learn even more about rare material and cool stuff [just from the material] Steve would show you laying around his incredible office," he said. Stoltz started Basement Comics in 1991 and is a Power Seller on eBay.
"Al has a great enthusiasm for books that many people might overlook," said John K. Snyder, Jr., Gemstone's Chief Administrative Officer. "We're extremely pleased to have him contributing information about giveaway comics and lots of other items."
MARC NATHAN
The owner of Cards, Comics & Collectibles and promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con is a veteran retailer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He's also a life-long collector with a particular passion: Christmas comics.
"When I was four or five, my first comic was a Jughead that I got as a gift on Christmas day with my other gifts. It wasn't a Christmas-themed issue, but it's something I've always associated with Christmas," he said. It wasn't long before he was tracking down comics all over his hometown of Reisterstown, Maryland.
Eventually he opened his store, which carries just about anything related to comic character collectibles, specializing in Golden Age through Modern Age comics, including baseball cards. It was the baseball cards that lead to his famous moonlighting gig.
"The person who was the Bird prior to me came in the store as a baseball card collector. I ended up going on appearances with him. Then he was going to move onto another job. I expressed interest, and it worked out that I became the Bird in 1986," he said.
For the next five years he worked games at Memorial Stadium and numerous other events. Comic shop owner by day, Bird by night. Comics took over, though, and he gave up the Bird role and then created the role of Louie the Bowie Baysox, the mascot of the Oriole's farm team. Several years after retiring from the mascot business he launched the Baltimore Comic-Con.
Marc is one of a handful of retailers who are comfortable in older comics, newer comics, at shows, in the store and on eBay at the same time. He was a contributor to The Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide.
PAUL LITCH
Paul Litch, has been one of the original members of the grading team for Comics Guaranty, LLC (CGC) since its inception in 1999. Paul was the first grader to be hired by Steve Borock and Mark Haspel and served as their pre-grader until 2001 when he was named CGC's Modern Age Specialist and began finalizing the Modern Tier. Prior to joining CGC, Paul's eye had been strengthened by years of photojournalism work where he was not only a photographer but also a professional dark room technician. The intricate details of dark room work helped focus Paul's eye for comic book grading and restoration detection, which has now been sharpened by years of working alongside such industry experts as Steve Borock, Mark Haspel and Chris Friesen.
Paul has been actively involved in many aspects of the hobby. Before he became an integral part of CGC, he had been collecting comics since he was seven. Early on, he collected mainly Marvels, saving his extra milk money for some older Bronze Age comics. By high school, the focus of his collection shifted to DC Silver Age. Since joining CGC, Paul's collecting habits have slowed down and moved towards esoteric comics. Even though he doesn't collect as much, he always gets his weekly comics, staying on top of all the variants, market trends and good reads.
In 1997, Paul graduated with honors from Rutgers University, where he was a founder of the Cartoonists Association of Rutgers (CAR), which produced a weekly all-comics newspaper, John Doe Comics, as well as a tri-annual full-color book, CAR Comics. After college, he self-published his own book, Shifty Comics, until he began working for CGC.
At CGC, Paul was instrumental in helping to go through the data gathered from the grading census gathered during the summer of 1999 from many of the industry's top collectors and dealers. Paul was also involved in the creation of the prestigious CGC Signature Series line, which has been embraced by fans and collectors alike.
2004 was a great year for Paul. He was named a Senior Grader at CGC and now joins CGC's Steve Borock and Mark Haspel as an Overstreet Advisor in the area of grading.
WELDON ADAMS
A life-long collector, comics historian Weldon Adams started working in the comics industry in retail in the early 1980s. Since then he has worked for publishers, distributors and retailers in both the comics and gaming sides of the industry.
For the last seven years, he has been actively researching the use of comics in schools, particularly the Texas History Movies, first published in the 1920s for use in Texas schools.
"It has been reprinted, reformatted, and even knocked-off," Adams said
"Comics have always been a great tool for encouraging reading, even if teachers in many places didn't think so for a long time. It's been great to see in Scoop how drastically and quickly that's changing," said Adams. "As we're getting closer and closer to schools embracing graphic literature, I think it's important to revisit the forgotten successes of the past."
Adams has written a detailed history of this Platinum Age wonder for the upcoming edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.
LAWRENCE LOWERY
Gemstone Publishing is extremely pleased to announce the addition of Lawrence Lowery to the ranks of the Overstreet Advisors. He will be offering his advice on the content and context on Big Little Books and related publications, and made a special contribution to the recently published Big Big Little Book Book.
"We're very excited to have Professor Lowery on board," said Editor Arnold T. Blumberg. "Serious collectors owe him a debt of gratitude for all the research he's done over the years and we're happy to be able to add his personal experience to that of our Overstreet Advisors."
Lowery is a professor emeritus in science and mathematics education at the University of California at Berkeley. His research has focused upon how people learn and ways by which that learning can be made more effective. With a major in English as well as his background in math and science, he has authored over 60 books, ranging from children's books to college texts. His hobby is collecting children's books, and his collection of Whitman publications, especially Big Little Books and similar books, is the most extensive in the world with over 1,600 different titles and related items. In 1981 he wrote the Collector's Guide to Big Little Books and Similar Books (the first book to tell the history of BLBs), and beginning in 1982, he has continued to be the president of the Big Little Book Club. At its peak, the Club had over 1,200 active members.
Lowery continues to publish and edit articles and books, the most recent being The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia (New York and London, 1993), Pathways-Guidelines to Implementing the Science Standards (NSTA publication, 1997), The Biological Basis for Thinking and Learning (Lawrence Hall of Science Monograph, 1998), How Science Curriculums Reflect Brain Research (Phi Delta Kappan article, November 1998), one of several authors of Teaching for Inquiry (National Science Education Standards Addendum, 2000), Developing Minds (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001), and The Nature of Inquiry (NRC, Science, Technology, and Children, 2002).
Professor Lowery has also received numerous awards: Outstanding Science Educator of the Year (1992, Association for the Education of Teachers of Science (AETS); Distinguished Career In Science Award (1993), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA); Best Software Program in Mathematics (1996), Peter Rabbit's Math Garden, Newsweek Editor's Choice; President's Quality Gold Award (1998), Sandia Laboratories for Distinguished Program (LASER) in Science Education; Induction into the Science Hall of Fame (2002) - State of Texas award for contributions made to science education.
TODD McDEVITT
Most people guess that Todd McDevitt got started reading comics when he was a kid. The truth is that he got into them when most kids would normally outgrow that "silly kids' stuff." For the better part of his childhood, Matt Brady (who today reigns over Newsarama.com) tried to coax him into the hobby. Finally, at 16, when most young men's fancies sway to the fairer sex, he dove headfirst instead into the comic hobby.
"I remember my first comic as a collector was Alpha Flight #4. I'm sure that will make some veterans feel old, but now I have seen three different volumes of that book!" says McDevitt.
After a short stint of collecting, McDevitt and Brady joined forces - in the form of $100 and a small stack of comics each - to begin New Dimension Comics while the pair was still in high school. Selling to classmates, mail order, and local hobby shows, business was good. Then came the big step. The summer before their senior high school year, McDevitt wanted to open an actual storefront while Brady had other plans. McDevitt bought out Brady's half, which as it turns out was the beginning of a long trend for his buying fever. He has since purchased many giant inventories such as Eclipse Comics, Stan Lee Media, Another Universe, and countless complete stores.
The first location of New Dimension Comics opened in the small town of Ellwood City, PA in 1986. While Todd was in school, it was relocated inside an existing business which took sales during the day. Soon came college and Todd learned the skills of delegating early by hiring some help while he ran things by remote control. After graduating with a business degree from Washington & Jefferson College, McDevitt was still having so much fun with the business that he ignored "real" careers to pursue the comic 'biz' even further. Taking out a sizable loan, he opened a second store in a high-growth area, Cranberry Township, PA in 1991. After years of aggressive buying and selling, he bought his third location in Butler, PA in 2000. And in 2003, he opened a fourth location in the biggest mall in Pittsburgh, which has been called the biggest store in the area as well.
In between stores #3 and #4, McDevitt also got himself into a lot of trouble by buying a huge warehouse. "Having such a giant space to put stuff has made buying all that more dangerous for me. It's amazing how much I have packed in there in just a few years", says Todd. In fact, he now opens his warehouse in Ellwood City every Saturday to sell comics from there for only $1 each.
Todd has also taken a stab at publishing. He has commissioned several exclusive covers, most recently Witchblade #75 and Transformers: War Within #1. For his fifteenth anniversary in the comic business, he put his life story in comic book form with a painted cover by Joe Linsner.
"Behind every great man..." After many years a swinging single, Todd finally met the gal of his dreams. Yes - at a comic convention. When it came time to pop the question, Todd resorted to his favorite medium. With special permission from DC Comics, Todd asked his wife to marry him in the pages of Wonder Woman #179. And she still said "yes!"
Todd currently buys like a fiend, often shuttling - or trucking - the booty to his warehouse where he splits it up between his four stores, website (www.ndcomics.com) and eBay division. His days are spent chipping away at the unending pile of collectibles heaping in the warehouse. "My biggest challenge is keeping up with all the great collections that float my way. I hate to see any opportunity pass me by!" says McDevitt.
BRIAN BLOCK
Brian Block, the founder of WB Auction Services and manager of Renninger's Antique Market in Adamstown Pennsylvania is a collector/dealer with over 36 years of experience in antiques and collectibles field. He has recently joined the ranks of the Overstreet Advisors.
Brian has been active in comics and character collectibles since the age of ten. Along the way his interest in comic book history and overall views of the market have allowed him to not only build a substantial collection but also a vast knowledge of the business.
He sold his original comic book collection, including many high grade Golden Age comics, to finance his college education. In college, he majored in computer programming and software design with a 4.0 GPA and ranked first in his class. His collecting habits range from Victorian to Modern Age comics and include a deep appreciation and understanding for comic history. He also keeps up on all the latest news and market trends.
He manages Renninger's Antique Market in Adamstown Pennsylvania, which, along with two additional locations, is one of the largest antique markets in the country. In 1999, Brian founded WB Auction Services, which specializes in antiques and collectibles, with comic books being their number one specialty. In the past, WB Auction Services has discovered numerous original owner collections of Golden and Silver Age collections which they have offered to their Internet patrons.
JACK COPLEY
"When I bought my first back issue comic (a 16 year old Archie #79 for 50 cents) in 1972, I didn't dream 32 years later I would have every Archie comic.
I bought that comic in the first comic store I discovered. It was August, 1972, the store was only open 13 hours a week, and by the end of the year I was there all 13 hours working for credit. In the summer of 1977, my little store was bought by another company who immediately opened it full time, which was perfect for me - a full time job just out of high school! I split my time between two stores at first, then after about a year became a store manager and eventually an owner. In 1989, I left the comic world, even selling my near complete Archie collection that I had spent 17 years building. I used to joke that I'd never have to move a comic box again!
During that 17 years, I stopped in every model store looking for the Aurora Archie's Jalopy model I had seen advertised in the comics and never laid my eyes on one. In late 1995, I followed some friends into a hobby store, and in a display case at the back of the store, there it was calling out to me.
This led to me haunting antique stores and shows looking for Archie toys over the next couple of years. At a mall show in 1997, some dealer had a box of early 1970s Archies for 75 cents a piece. This officially started my second collection. I made a quick deal with my friend, who had accumulated Archies over the last five years, and I was on my way. Right away friends were quick to say 'Jack's back!' They tell me I was a lifeless shell while I was out of comics.
I started working part time for Graham Crackers Comics in 1998, posting comics on eBay for them in the spring of 2001 when the company for which I worked full time (magazine production) went under. Graham Crackers quickly told me, 'No job hunting for you.' Since I've been with Graham Crackers, in addition to traveling all over the country to comic shows (20-30 a year) I've been a buyer, grader, and pricer and still keep a staff pushing things out on eBay!
After only seven years (thanks to traveling to shows and the magic of eBay), I have completed my Archie collection. I don't collect the Archie Comics superhero line, Katy Keene, Turtles, or Hedgehogs (unless Archie or his gang are in them), though I may sometime decide to do so. There are things I still need, like shoe store giveaways, a drug store giveaway and a boy scout outfitter (to name the ones I know). I will still be hunting Archies as I can almost always find one or two to upgrade my copies.
I did decide in the last couple of years that all this accumulated knowledge needs to be shared, so I have been out there telling folks the Archie information that I know that others might not.
