#1102566 - 03/04/06 01:16 AM
EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
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esquirecomics
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 01/20/05
Posts: 13363
Loc: Washington, D.C.
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Some of you may know that there now exists a seller/dealer "Network of Disclosure" intended to allow prospective buyers to possess all known relevant information in order to reach an informed decision. I, as with others on these boards, serve as a "founding" member. The logo we currently use, and which can be found on our websites or e-bay auction sales, is as follows:
I recently had consigned to my site a sweet FF #1 CGC 8.0 ow/w. I obviously don't need to tell these boards how difficult it is to find such a high grade copy of this book. I posted this recent addition in the Marketplace section. Some astute forumites informed me that they believed this book, based on their recognition of specific unique details and the fact that it has an apparent signature of Jack Kirby on the splash page, was previously a CGC 7.5.
With this information in hand I investigated the history of the book and spoke to two prior owners. This included our very own esteemed Bob Storms who confirmed to me that, in fact, the book had been a CGC 7.5, resubmitted to CGC and returned with a CGC 8.0 grade. In light of this discovered information, and given my participation in the Network of Disclosure and adherence to the principle (which I subscribe to in my law practice) that more information is good information, I have now revealed this information in the description of the book.
I know that if I purchased a book in one CGC grade and later found out that it had previously been another, and especially lesser, grade, I would be quite perturbed (to say the least). Some people might not care, but I think many would. For those who don't care, no harm, no foul. For those who do, you have the necessary and important information to reach a decision.
Of course, what this really reveals as the moral to the story is: BUY THE BOOK, NOT THE GRADE!!!! 
It is hoped that the Network of Disclosure will empower buyers and ensure a more secure comfort level. If you want to be able to trust a seller/dealer, look for the Network of Disclosure logo. That is the intent. I can assure anyone who buys from me, that this logo is more than just a logo. It is a promise.
I encourage - no, in fact, I challenge - all sellers/dealers to join the Network of Disclosure.
The listing at www.esquirecomics.com is now as follows:
EsquireComics' Listing of FF #1 CGC 8.0
Description: One of the holy grails of the Silver Age, and predominantly responsible for the revival of Marvel Comics and superheros, this beauty is ranked third amongst Silver Age titles by Overstreet. Certainly doesn't hurt that a major motion picture was released last year with sequels to follow!
Prices vary widely on this book. It is very uncommon, perhaps one can say scarce, in high grade and it is not often to see one on the market. During 2004-2005, several issues sold ranging from $19,000 to $25,000. An identically graded copy currently on Comiclink is seeking nearly $26,000 (with an existing bid of nearly $24,000). A 9.4 copy sold for over $111,000 four years ago (which seemingly makes my offered #1 appear relatively inexpensive)!!!
But none of the other books, to my knowledge, offer what this copy does: presumably signed by the FF creator himself, the master Jack Kirby!!! Unfortunately, the signing was not done in the presence of CGC so no verification exists. Of course, there is no guarantee that the signature is authentic. However, I am aware of the recent history of this book and spoken with a prior owner who is a well-known comic book dealer. It was he who had the book certified by CGC. He told me that he has seen many authentic copies of Kirby's signature and he was of the opinion this signature is, in fact, authentic. Moreover, I spoke with CGC and confirmed that had they believed it was not Kirby's signature, it would not have been noted on the label (which is not the same, of course, as confirming authenticity).
This copy was actually given away as the Grand prize in a sweepstakes run by Activision. Luckily the current owner saved the book during the flooding caused last year by Hurricane Katrina!
This book is going nowhere but up! The next buyer will not be unhappy with this copy!
Overstreet 2005 Guide: VF 8.0 $9,200; VF/NM 9.0 $22,100; NM- 9.2 $35,000.
NETWORK OF DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: This book was previously certified as a CGC 7.5 and was resubmitted by a prior owner and graded in its present form of a CGC 8.0. It was not pressed.
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#1102568 - 03/04/06 01:31 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: esquirecomics]
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scheradon
FACT if I stop posting, trillions and trillions of transistors would be out of work.
Registered: 11/02/05
Posts: 4983
Loc: Back Home Finally!
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Great job Mark. It's nice to see some sellers who are more concerned for the good of the hobby over any potential loss of the almighty dollor for it.
I hadn't seen this logo before and am curious about who can use it and basically if there is any qualifying process involved. My fear would be that if a dishonest seller can put the logo up on their site to make themselves look good, it may loose some validity to those that actaully do adhere to it.
I like the logo, love the idea and live by it myself, but I'll gasp in horror the day it see it proudly displayed on some eBay scammers auctions. I'd like to know more about how this and what measures we can take to prevent those not so honest from using it.
Thanks, John
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#1102569 - 03/04/06 03:49 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: esquirecomics]
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tth2
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 12/04/03
Posts: 23319
Loc: Hong Kong
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Good work, Mark. Would you happen to know the serial number of the 7.5 copy?
This reminded me that I'm just about finished with the upgrade database. Can anyone tell me how to post an XL file into a thread?
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#1102570 - 03/04/06 06:09 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: tth2]
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shadroch
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 10/28/02
Posts: 13177
Loc: Jet Blue Flight 711
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While I like the idea of such a network,I'm leery of it being abused. Have you or anyone applied for any sort of ownership/protection-a trademark or copyright(whichever is applicable).
Was ANYTHING done to this book to bump the grade or is this another example of CGC being inconsistant?
_________________________
Power corrupts. But absolute power is actually kind of neat..
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#1102571 - 03/04/06 10:36 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: esquirecomics]
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sborock
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 05/30/02
Posts: 6814
Loc: Terrapin Station
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"However, I am aware of the recent history of this book and spoken with a prior owner who is a well-known comic book dealer. It was he who had the book certified by CGC. He told me that he has seen many authentic copies of Kirby's signature and he was of the opinion this signature is, in fact, authentic. Moreover, I spoke with CGC and confirmed that had they believed it was not Kirby's signature, it would not have been noted on the label (which is not the same, of course, as confirming authenticity)."
Mark, 2 things:
1: I have been told by many people in the comic art world years ago that Kirby was having Roz (his wife) sign his name for years and that it is also a very easy signature to forge.
2: VERY IMPORTANT. I did NOT confirm that we beleived it was a Kirby signature. What I wrote to you was:
"If it looks like his signature we note that it is there, if not, it would not be noted. That said, as you are well aware, anyone can fake a signature, so we don’t stand behind the fact that it even could be his signature and would say so at the drop of a hat."
Just wanted everyone to know we don't even guess at signature confirmation.
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#1102572 - 03/04/06 10:41 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: esquirecomics]
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DARTHDIESEL
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 07/02/02
Posts: 17306
Loc: Centreville, VA
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#1102573 - 03/04/06 10:54 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: DARTHDIESEL]
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mica
mild mannered mica
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 04/07/05
Posts: 15355
Loc: The Fashion Runway
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Quote:
lol
Wait til you get my bill for using my "pressed" logo all these months without permission. 
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#1102574 - 03/04/06 10:57 AM
Re: EsquireComics' Example Of What The Network Of Disclosure Means
[Re: mica]
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DARTHDIESEL
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 07/02/02
Posts: 17306
Loc: Centreville, VA
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