2000 AD Online Forum

General Chat => Books & Comics => Topic started by: Tjm86 on 28 February, 2019, 12:25:44 PM

Title: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 February, 2019, 12:25:44 PM
 Read this recently over on Multiversity.    (https://www.newsarama.com/44090-who-signs-what-and-why.html)  It got me thinking about some of the changes I've noticed in the last few years when it comes to Tooth.  Perhaps it is just where my prog / meg collection is complete, there is little on the American front that I find particularly appealing and I'm happy to just pick at GN's depending on what is about.  So Eamonn's charity auctions over the last few years have opened this up as a new avenue which may mean that I'm now paying a bit more attention.

What I'm noticing then is that there seems a bit of a peculiarly evolving market here.  As Eamonn's auctions have become more popular (at least so it seems), so too others have begun moving in.  The difference though seems to be in terms of what is being charged from the off.  One vendor that has been pushing quite a bit of stuff from the Enniskellin marts tends to put quite a premium on their offerings.  It is quite common to see theirs starting at the £50 mark (but not often shifting).  Several signed annuals have been initially listed in excess of £100 before that was slowly whittled down by disinterest.  One vendor who tried to flip a couple of d'Israeli / Edington signed progs from Eamonn seems to have finally given it up as a lost cause.  That said, quite a few FCBD progs have been doing the rounds for a while.  So it seems that there is growing awareness of the financial potential even if it isn't quite fully materialising as yet.

It is probably going to be quite a while before back progs see a significant premium being added due to creator signatures.  Mind you, I'm wondering about my run of Judge Death lives with covers signed by Bolland, Dillon, Gibbons and McMahon.  Gibbons has signed my first Robo Hunter and Halo Jones and a couple of Ezquerra covers have his and Wagner's signatures on them.  Quite a few of these are courtesy of Eamonn but Lawgiver last year provided a welcome opportunity to personally meet with a number of these luminaries.  My wife keeps telling me that I need to leave details of value in case anything happens to me since she wouldn't have the first clue.  Not sure how that might work though.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 28 February, 2019, 01:04:30 PM
It's an interesting subject. When I first started going to conventions I wasn't really thinking about getting stuff signed but soon learned that that was the way to get a few moments of chat with a beloved creator and the opportunity to tell them how much I love their work.

I don't like the idea of flipping books with signatures, and I often wonder if the creators think that might be what I'm doing. At last year's FCBD signing there must have been a guy near me in the queue who had his signed copy up on ebay for £50 while the rest of us were still in the pub with southern contingent.

Sometimes the queuing can be a chore but generally I have a good time chatting to the people next to me, I've met a few people who have since become guests on the podcast, and generally just enjoyed the chatter with creators and fellow fans.

Every year after the Christmas raffle I tell my wife I'm going to scale down the pursuit of signed items to auction or raffle. And every year she reminds me that I always say that!

I've had a couple of nice emails from people who for a variety of reasons cannot attend signings or conventions, and have thanked me for getting signed items up at reasonable prices, and all for a good cause. I've also had some fans ask me if they can borrow the idea to raise money for their own charity and the answer is you don't have to ask, guys, just go for it. But that is just another example of how friendly, polite, and good-natured 2000AD fandom can be.

I think that flipping 2000AD books appeals to a fairly limited market, hopefully I'm not causing inflation in a fairly limited market. I think the examples Tim mentions show that fans generally won't pay exorbitant amounts for flipped books unless the money is going to a good cause.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: CalHab on 28 February, 2019, 01:20:07 PM
This is something that I struggle to understand. For me, the value in a signed comic or book is in the memory I have of meeting the creator. In the way that Eamonn describes so well above. So I'm not really willing to pay much, if any, more for a signed book.

That said, I have bought signed books from Eamonn in the past because it's a good cause and they were books I would have bought anyway.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 February, 2019, 01:31:33 PM
I know what you mean.  I did have to resist the urge not to bow down in front of McMahon and Gibson chanting "I'm not worthy!"  That said, it's not often creators get out west which does make it difficult to get to events.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 February, 2019, 01:55:50 PM
I like the way that many creators now refuse to sign without dedicating it to a named person, to avoid those "fans" who are simply acquiring stock for their ebay store.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: sheridan on 28 February, 2019, 02:10:55 PM
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 28 February, 2019, 01:04:30 PM
I don't like the idea of flipping books with signatures, and I often wonder if the creators think that might be what I'm doing. At last year's FCBD signing there must have been a guy near me in the queue who had his signed copy up on ebay for £50 while the rest of us were still in the pub with southern contingent.

I've had a few things signed to give to you to later auction, and I've always made it clear when it's not for me (largely because I'll have something I want signed for myself and it'll look a bit dodgy if I get two copies of the same thing signed) and that it will be put on eBay pretty soon for charity.

I don't think I'd ever buy a signed copy of a comic*, unless it was for charity, for the reasons stated by CalHab.

* though I've bought a few comics and books in the past which I've found out where signed, but that wasn't the reason I bought them in the first place.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Magnetica on 28 February, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
I for one wouldn't pay to get something signed. With reference to the article Tjm linked to, some of the prices being charged seem really high to me. As others have said, it's as much about having a chat with the creator as getting the signature. So giving the book to someone else to get it signed and get a certificate of authenticity- sorry not interested. I'm never going to sell any of my stuff- I'm not collecting anything with a view to a future profit.

I did pay for a sketch by Ben Wilsher at the 40th and had a really long chat with him. A tenner for 20 mins* of his time didn't seem too bad to me.

It might not have been 20 mins - can't remember.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Fungus on 28 February, 2019, 02:57:40 PM
Don't think I'd pay a penny more for anything, just because it was signed. Don't see the point. When it's personal - eg. John Wagner signing my Judge Dredd [1] Titan book, having a brief chat - that's something I remember fondly and value highly.

Don't some creators charge for signatures? *Shudder* Could this market for signed books justify charging? It's a shame.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 28 February, 2019, 03:37:28 PM
Sheridan's post reminds me that I have also been touched by the kindness of fellow fans, too numerous to mention, who have donated items for me to auction for cancer research. You're all lovely people.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Trooper McFad on 28 February, 2019, 03:45:48 PM
I agree that the signature doesn't add value for me it's more of a tag to remind you of the day you met and thanked/chatted to your fav droid. This is especially true when I'm doing re reads of my collection. I'll probably continue to meet and ask for a few signatures or sketches which I'm willing to pay for as watching the art droids at work is a wonderful thing.
As long as I don't hit hard times I'll never sell these items, there my treasure 😀. However Tjm86 does raise the point regarding what our loved ones do with our "shite" once we're departed. Is there much value to the bits of paper filling our shelves and cupboards?
Speaking to my mate about his football program collection (where he's spent a small fortune and hoping to supplement his pension by selling it off eventually) he realises that there is only a limited fan base for certain collections and collecting fashions can go up or down so for him what was a hobby has now become a share portfolio. How large and diverse in age is the 2000ad fandom?
Back to my question what value will our collections be worth in 20-30 years - will they be classed as heirlooms for our kids or just more stuff for the skip 😔.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 February, 2019, 05:50:52 PM
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 28 February, 2019, 01:04:30 PM
It's an interesting subject. When I first started going to conventions I wasn't really thinking about getting stuff signed but soon learned that that was the way to get a few moments of chat with a beloved creator and the opportunity to tell them how much I love their work.

Aye, talking to Mike Collins while he was singing one of his Slaine Covers made for an interesting few minutes.  He leafed through the prog and reminisced fondly about his experience on the strip at the time.  I know I'm in the minority on this but I actually preferred his work at the time to that of Fabry and Bisley and I mentioned my preference to his surprise.

The guy in front of me for John Higgins was having a Rorschach sketch done.  That was a conversation worth the price of admission to Lawgiver alone along with watching the piece come to life at the same time.  Like McFad says, it is something amazing to see.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: JamesC on 05 March, 2019, 08:56:02 AM
In the late 90s I went to a signing event in a very small comic shop in St Albans. The line up was Dave Gibbons, John McCrea, Steve Dillon, Glenn Fabry and John Higgins (Garth Ennis was supposed to be there but was ill or something). It was lovely - a small crowd of regulars chatting, getting sketches and a few items signed. Everyone was really respectful or the artists' time and no one was charged for sketches or signatures.

That's the best signing I've ever been to - since then it seems to have been monetised too much and frankly I always feel like I'm being a pain in the arse if I want a chat.

People who get things signed to then sell on for profit share my contempt along with 'slabbers'.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 05 March, 2019, 11:42:35 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 28 February, 2019, 01:20:07 PM
This is something that I struggle to understand. For me, the value in a signed comic or book is in the memory I have of meeting the creator.

Agree completely. I have a few annuals signed during the sessions at Forbidden Planet in the early 80's and they mean a lot to me. Not because of the ink on the page but because of the memories I have of being an overawed 11/12 year old queuing up for an hour or so and meeting this creative geniuses without really knowing too much about them. I only knew that these were the people that gave me untold amounts of pleasure every single week.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Trout on 06 March, 2019, 01:19:42 AM
I am the proud owner of the only unsigned copy of the comic Turning Tiger that is known to exist. I treasure it.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: matty_ae on 11 March, 2019, 04:53:37 PM
Brett Ewins was half-way through signing 26 comics for "Rupert" in Orbital

I asked, as I only had one book, if I could cut in. Rupert agreed.

And Brett signed it accordingly.
"To Rupert"

If anyone knows a Judge Anderson fan called Rupert...
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Tjm86 on 11 March, 2019, 07:51:16 PM
Quote from: matty_ae on 11 March, 2019, 04:53:37 PM

If anyone knows a Judge Anderson fan called Rupert...

Bear with me a moment ...
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 11 March, 2019, 08:27:01 PM
I met Caroline Munro and got a signed photo because why wouldn't you?
I then got that nice Mr Baker to sign it and even thought I gave him a card with my name on it I don't think he had his glasses with him.
Still Caroline Munro, though.


(https://i.imgur.com/G9gPs5j.jpg)

Anyone know a cult couple called Emma and Eamonn?
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Richard on 11 March, 2019, 08:36:01 PM
Glenn Fabry accidentally signed my comic to Glenn Fabry, then crossed it out, put my name, and then added in brackets "I'm going mad!"

If my estate don't want it then they can bury it with me.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Link Prime on 12 March, 2019, 09:36:24 AM
Quote from: Richard on 11 March, 2019, 08:36:01 PM
Glenn Fabry accidentally signed my comic to Glenn Fabry, then crossed it out, put my name, and then added in brackets "I'm going mad!"


Classic.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Proudhuff on 12 March, 2019, 06:22:57 PM
Quote from: Trout on 06 March, 2019, 01:19:42 AM
I am the proud owner of the only unsigned copy of the comic Turning Tiger that is known to exist. I treasure it.

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Proudhuff on 12 March, 2019, 06:40:54 PM
(https://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibxZ02WbMhM/UlSqrCdf5XI/AAAAAAAAAQw/ejC5F2SFzj0/s1600/Rup-train.jpg)

Our Matty likes a comic Fayre,
and sets his sights on Ewins there,

but he can only stop and stare
when Brett signs 'For Rupert Bear'.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Fungus on 13 March, 2019, 10:22:25 AM
Ha!
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: matty_ae on 13 March, 2019, 08:05:48 PM
I've checked again and it might have been Roland
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Proudhuff on 14 March, 2019, 11:48:28 AM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 12 March, 2019, 06:40:54 PM
(https://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibxZ02WbMhM/UlSqrCdf5XI/AAAAAAAAAQw/ejC5F2SFzj0/s1600/Rup-train.jpg)

Our Matty likes a comic Fayre,
and sets his sights on Ewins there,

but he can only stop and stare
when Brett signs 'For Rupert Roland Bear'.
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: titchard on 19 March, 2019, 11:33:48 AM
I generally (like the prevailing opinion in this thread) like to get stuff signed when I meet an author or artist, as its got a story to it.

I have one graphic novel signed and as he (I forget who it was) was signing it he got distracted.  He had written "To Rich, Get..." and looked at me and said "I totally forgot what I was going to write next!".

I joked "As long as its not "Get bent! I am fine!"

So now I have a copy of a graphic novel signed "To Rich, Get Bent!".

R
Title: Re: Musing About Signed Comics
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 19 March, 2019, 05:43:01 PM
I've got a DVD copy of the Exorcist signed by William Peter Blatty and Mark Kermode. Kermode signed it to someone else because he was trying to buy my copy of Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane off me at the time which I had brought to be signed by Blatty and he did not have  a copy. He signed it; "Sorry for the schmuck".