Announcing the Comic Book Collecting Association

We are happy to announce a new collectors and dealers association -- the Comic Book Collecting Association (www.ComicCollecting.org)

The CBCA is for comic book collectors and dealers with a common goal: promote fellowship, education and ethics within the comic book collecting community. Our success is contingent on the interest and participation of a membership in agreement with these goals and the Association’s common-sense Code of Ethics.

The CBCA is for new collectors looking for opportunities to network and learn, as well as more seasoned collectors looking to assist with member events and help shape the direction of the hobby. In any case, CBCA membership should be fun and rewarding!

We are also incredibly excited to announce the official formation of a Board of Advisors, which features some of the most well known names within and around our community. From prominent dealers to industry executives to comic pros, the Board of Advisors is composed of individuals who have expressed a desire to associate and assist with our new effort, and provide valuable guidance as to how the CBCA can best serve the community.

Doug Braithwaite, Comic book artist
Dan Cusimano, Flying Donut Trading Company
Steve Eichenbaum, CEO CGC
Danny Fingeroth, Writer, Historian, former Marvel Editor
Jamie Graham, Graham Cracker Comics
Tracey Heft, Restoration Expert
John Haines, Rare Comics
Dave Kapelka, North Coast Nostalgia
John Jackson Miller, Comic book and game writer
Josh Nathanson, ComicLink
James Payette, Rare Books and Comics
Brian Peets, A-1 Comics
Dave Reynolds, Dave's American Comics
Wayne Smith, VP Warner Bros. Entertainment
John K. Snyder Jr., former President, Geppi's Entertainment Publishing & Auctions
Jim Steranko, Comic book writer, artist, historian
Bob Storms, High Grade Comics
Doug Sulipa, Comic World
Ted Van Liew, Superworld Comics
J.C. Vaughn, Executive Editor, Associate Publisher for Gemstone Publishing
Joe Vereneault, JHV Associates
Vincent Zurzolo, Metropolis Collectibles, Inc.

We are also very pleased to welcome the “first” new CBCA member: George Pantela of GPAnalysis.com. We envision a very strong partnership in the coming days and truly look forward to having George work with us to support our Mission.

As a bit of background, the CBCA has evolved from the former Network of Disclosure. Last December, the group’s members approved by ballot the formation of the new group, mission and code of ethics. The notion of disclosure, transparency and ethical practices are at the core of CBCA, but overall, CBCA is a more rounded organization. Ideally, the CBCA’s expanded focus will be more inviting to collectors and dealers alike.

We hope that you take a look at the CBCA and consider joining.

The Fantastic Four: Solve Everything

Wow... a really impressive modern storyline with old school comic touches. Fantastic Four issues 570 - 572 features a storyline called, "Solve Everything."

I won't go into the details of the plot other than to say it was fresh, exciting and reminiscent of the Fantastic Four of days past. Issue 570 begins the creative lineup of writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Dale Eaglesham.

I can't recall the last time I was so happy with a Fantastic Four story since the days of John Byrne. Eaglesham has a very appealing style: smooth, clean pencils that give the finished look an almost painted style. He also tends to depict Mr. Fantastic is all sort of stretched out positions... even when he's eating breakfast. In short, the book has a very fun feel to it without being silly or goofy.

Of course, being a Fantastic Four collector (I have all regular issues beginning with #1 from 1961) I have a soft spot for the resurrected 70s style logo.

I can't wait until the next issue, and I hope this is a creative team they keep around for a long time.

Waiting....

I sent my 16 x 20 1998 Yankees collage photo to MAB sports promotions for the 27 Rings show last weekend.

I'm really leery of sending this multi-signed photo through the mail to get signatures, but Bernie Williams was appearing, and I couldn't miss the opportunity to add him to the piece. I also wanted three other 1998 Yankees to add their signatures: Jeff Nelson, Ramiro Mendoza and Chad Curtis.

Since the show as last weekend, I was hoping they'd mail my photo back within a day or two and I could have it by today. It hasn't arrived yet. I'm holding my breath hoping it doesn't get lost, arrive damaged/creased or with smeared autographs.

I'll share a pic when it arrives. Hopefully it will be a happy blog post!