(no subject)

[winneganfake]

Hey- Transformers/Comics geeks; anyone got a good idea of the value on the original Transformers #1? Good condition.

Comments

[esmeraldus-neo.livejournal.com]

[shrug]

I looked on ebay, but there was an array of foil covers and such.

There was one auction with a high dollar amount, but it was for a Tomb Raider and a foil-cover T#1 in perfect condition. #120077179417

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

I assume you mean the American Marvel Transformers one starting in 84, right?

Here's a good gauge: http://www.milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/backissue.cgi?action=list&title=89454365710&snumber=1

Though #1 isn't there... Ebay is a good gauge as well:

http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/transformers-1_Comics_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ63QQsatitleZtransformersQ20Q231

Just take a look through that.


Also, do you mean good condition or graded Good condition?

Honestly, I can't see it being Near Mint and being worth much more than $15-20. And that's the high prices... Most people would pay around ten bucks.

Hope that helps!

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

(there has been a gazillion Transformers comics since the original Marvel run, not to mention the Marvel UK run, so that's why it's good to be clear. the foil cover? Probably IDW, which is rather new (last couple of years or so)...)

[winneganfake.livejournal.com]

Considering I bought it off the shelf in the early 80's as near as I can remember, it'd have to be the Marvel run, wouldn't it?

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

That is correct. Marvel, as far as I know, put out the first Transformers adaptation. The current comics are only a couple to a few years old.

Does it say "#1 in a four-issue limited series" at the top? If so, you have the Marvel one (also if it's from '84, you got it).

[winneganfake.livejournal.com]

It does. Yes, the Marvel run, and yes, good, not Graded Good (I am not a comics expert, and I won't presume to be one.)

Ok. And thanks much. Now to see if I can find anyone interested in the thing.

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

What kind of condition is it in? Are there little creases on the spine? Is it still tight and shiny? And dents? Folds? Tears? Does it look new, well word, etc?

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

well worn, rather

[winneganfake.livejournal.com]

I'll need to debox it and check tomorrow, since my longboxes are currently stored in Brenna's closet.

[templar46-2.livejournal.com]

Also, check the staples... they can rust and damage the comic. check the interior for fading or for the ink bleeding... humidity can dramatically effect a comic printed in the 70s and 80s since they used Newsprint at the time.

[synabetic.livejournal.com]

Ah, good call! :)

what's it's value to you?

[templar46-2.livejournal.com]

Something to keep sharply in mind...

as with any collectible, it only has value to you, or the person you're trying to sell it to. eBay is often an imprecise gauge since it's entirely trend-driven. There is no such thing as a hard value to collectibles, and the "overstreet comics price guide" flat out, is full of LIES!

Odds are good, that just after the Transformers movie comes out later this year, there are going to be a number of fans waxing nostalgic for the Transformers comics they remember from when they were a kid... and that's going to be a much... MUCH better time to try to sell the thing if that's what you're aiming for.

Don't expect to make any real money off it however... it's possible, but even in the best condition, it's damn unlikely. You've no doubt heard comic geeks rant and rave about the 90s... and the industry-wide disaster (marvel actually went bankrupt and almost vanished, had it not been for ToyBiz stepping in) was entirely because of speculation and the silly idea that comics were some kind of "investment"... they're not... it's a hobby, and hobby geeks can get obsessive... but that's about it.

Currently, comics are starting to just now recover from that decade... and get back into the public eye, but things will likely never be "worth" what people once assumed they were, again.

Really, selling something like this, should be more about making someone happy. Preferably someone who's willing to pay a good sized chunk of cash for said happiness... but no matter which way you look at it, "worth" is about as subjective as it could possibly get.

As an example, while i totally dig transformers, and eventually plan to fill in the gaps from my run of the 80s marvel comic... i wouldn't personally pay more than $15, ever... no matter how good the condition is.