I’m not sure how you got here, but thanks for checking out Collector Syndicate!! Consider this post an introduction to the site, and my motivation and goals for launching it.
A little about myself, and my collection. At the time of this writing, I’m 51 years old. My collection is largely comprised of 1970’s-1980’s comics, with a fair number of early 90’s issues mixed in. I would estimate that 50% of my collection is Marvel, 40% DC, and 10% other publishers. Among the comics that I am the original owner of are Hulk #182, X-Men #96, and Invaders #1 – purchased when I was 6 or 7 years old. My collection certainly includes more notable comics, but those mentioned above represent the definite beginning of my lifelong interest in comics.
With family, career, and other commitments, I only sporadically purchased new comics from the early 90’s to present. However, I continued to read major story lines through a variety of means, including TPB’s at local libraries, online sources, and more.
However, I’ve recently started a pull list at Earthworld in Albany, NY. I’m trying to stay away from big event crossovers which require extensive purchases, but rather a few ongoing story lines. As mentioned above, my interests lean towards Marvel. I’m currently reading Immortal Hulk, Invaders, Dr. Strange, Old Man Quill, and Daredevil, with other issues/titles mixed in on occasion. All of this brings us to…
The Great Consolidation
While I am reading some current titles, the primary focus of my collecting is Bronze Age Marvel Key issues and certain titles/runs from the era. In order to fund my pursuit of some bigger ticket Bronze Age issues, I’ll be selling other parts of my collection. In the near future, you’ll see those issues and lots for sale on the Collector Syndicate Instagram account, and embedded here on this site.
In regard to the books in my collection that I’m keeping, I’m submitting some to CGC, and moving some others to archival quality bags and boards. I own a number of CGC slabbed Silver Age books that I obtained from other sources, but recently shipped out my first submission of ten comics to them. I’ll document that process and the results in a future post. My CGC submissions are starting with Bronze age stuff, with some copper/modern issues mixed in. I’ll then circle back and submit some Silver Age issues.
Lastly, I’ve also decided to attend select comic cons to obtain witnessed autographs to submit for CGC’s Signature Series designation. The books I’m initially planning to pursue autographs on are coming from my existing collection – some have flaws, but they’re meaningful to me since I’m the original owner.
I’ll share my experiences with this process and lessons learned here on this site, so stop back often to see how things are going.
In the near future, I’ll be setting up the site for other users to blog about their collecting experiences, and to embed their social media comics sales. If you’re interested, just complete the form found at Join the Syndicate and we’ll be in touch soon.
