Mate, you have handled this like a champ. You are taking ownership for something that was not your fault but also not pointing fingers and so on. Keep up the great work and content.
I wish more people had the perspective to handle adversity with the same grace as you've done here. Your genuineness and positivity are truly appreciated.
So what I don't understand is why you had to sign an NDA when I've heard from multiple dealers that they didn't have to. You have to admit that's a bit strange.
Would love to see an actual explanation from Marvel on this. Did they know it was previously used? Really crappy business practice on there end that puts all the risk onto you and other retailers
I believe you are sincere and genuine and understand, but you also sold out the blind box and we're the ones with a choice to hold a repro or try to sell and recoup our entry before it inevitably goes to 50 bucks. I don't blame you, but it's a bit apples and oranges.
Dell’Otto generally dates all his art under his signature. I don’t see a high resolution pic of his signature on your IG…but I see something is under the sig where he would normally put the year 🕸🤔🕸
Some of the best advice i ever got was from my dad when i was at a pretty low point in my life. He said "happiness is a choice." It took me a while to make it work but the old man was right and life had gotten a lot better since
Do you think destroying books to manufacture rarity is ethical? Is it good for the hobby? Will these books maintain value? Are retail exclusives i. General good buys for long term collectors or just good for flippers? Will other retailers abuse this? Food for thought.
IMO, I would not expect you would know that this image was used in a foreign country 19-years ago. Like you, I would expect Marvel would know, but who knows what records they keep. I agree everyone should move on.
Bry, you are a class act. Integrity and transparency is your brand and that is apparent in everything you do including your response in this video. I will always be a supporter and customer and I can tell you were hurt the most in all of this. Stay strong and keep moving forward with your top notch business
The devil is in the detail and that is the NDA that Bry signed with Marvel. How the word "exclusivity" is used in that NDA (pertaining to Marvel, Bry and the Dell'Otto camp) would reveal plenty more answers. And we'll never find out.
This thing started down a bad road when you went to CGC and had them destroy thousands of books to create more scarcity. Seems like there was alot of bad JuJu in that.
No worries, my friend!! Heck, Bry's "acetategate 2023" edition may actually go up in value due to the notoriety. TBH, it's likely that neither Marvel nor Dell Otto/ his agent realized the artwork had been previously used years ago in another country; how the heck could you have known? At least now you've learned an important business lesson about never assuming what you're buying/commissioning and being very clear on what you expect from business transactions in writing. You've taken responsibility, recorded an explanation, and apologized. Move on, don't sweat it, and enjoy the hobby/ business. I doubt you've lost any customers or fans. Thanks for your great content!
Keep strong brother always enjoy your videos and everything that you put on here always like your stuff because you always been honest with us about things!! I always appreciate that from a fellow collector!! keep up the good work!! Sometimes things happen that are out of our control but you handle it very well!! Like I said enjoy I enjoy your video's!! keep up the good work bro!! 😊😁👍
I am with you all the way and not for a moment doubt your sincerity, but as a buyer of one of the 480 (and still happy with it) I would like to have the reaction of Marvel and Dell Otto. Haven't you contacted them for an explanation? You are their businesspartner in this, so I think you have the right for an expalnation and I would like to hear it. Their view, not what might have caused it or vague things like 'probably miscommunications'.
Great Video Bry. Im sure everyone appreciates your transparency and just sometimes......it is what it is. Learn , Stay Strong and be truthful in you convictions. To the future my dude. Respect.🤘
You had to sign an NDA saying you can't talk about the variant process? Is that normal? Haven't there been other retailers that talk pretty openly about their process dealing with DC, Marvel, and Image?
Very informative and sincere video, as always. Your integrity is beyond question in my book. A responsible individual is one who takes praise and criticism for their actions equally. You owned up my friend and I never had a doubt. Been following you since comically correct comics. Thank you for continuing to be the beacon of truth.
Bry, I 100% don’t blame you for this. The fact is you made a deal with marvel for an exclusive and they didn’t honor your agreement, unless there was some fine print you missed. I guessing marvel has no response. They should give you another “truly” exclusive imo to right this wrong.
Thanks for making this video and detailing your perspective. There are a few toxic individuals who are more than ready to jump on someone’s throat when they’re down. I did a video of one of your mystery boxes last year that just had a big upsurge in viewers. I did not get the most exciting Slabs, but I explain that I was taking the chance of winning one of the big prizes. Some commenters just want to jump on the fact that the slabs were underwhelming. Always appreciate the Contant. Keep it up and better luck with the next exclusive.
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that, I dont' blame you at all for that Dell Otto issue. I watch every single one of your videos and you come across as a real standup guy. I love your passion for the comic industry and for us collectors. I wish I could lean from you first hand I really do. But I am proud of your channel and compared to the comic shop owners we have here locally, you put a sense of fairness and contrite objectivity and people watch you because you do an outstanding job. Ive been collecting comics since around 1970. Sold my collection to help pay for my wedding, and now I am buying issues for my 5 year old grandson who likes spider-man. I wish I was local to you, your are an outstanding example for shop owners to follow.
You have been extremely candid and informative about every aspect of this controversial issue. I would really like to see you on BEYOND WEDNESDAYS to give your perspective, especially after their last episode.
I have been watching you even before you made this a full-time job. I believe everything you said my dude. The ticking time bomb was the perfect example. Keep doing what you do my guy.
You're not to blame here, but I can understand how someone who thought that they were buying "the rarest Dell'Otto" cover ever was just buying recycled art. Maybe you can offer a discount on your next box to anyone who bought this one? It might be a decent way of making things right with those who are upset.
Dell'Otto cashed in twice. Sneaky move by him and his people, but Marvel/Disney should have caught this and let it be known to Bry that this is not the rarest Dell'Otto cover. Shame on Marvel 😔
I find it hard to believe that whomever sent you the art, didn't know it was used before. Secondly, if Dell'Otto okayed the use, he had to remember he drew it a while back, whether or not he knew it was previously used, he should've at least mentioned it.
Dude, Bry, what a rough situation! As someone that has purchased the two prior mystery boxes before this one, I must say that I appreciate the transparency (as you always try to do). I know that you can't technically say much about the process because of the NDA, but I appreciate the bits that we have been able to pick up on. I'm sure that this revelation must have been devastating for you, especially because he's one of your favorite artists! I for one have not lost faith in you as a seller or creator and do not believe you were doing anything shady here. Keep up the great work!
Small hiccup in your life journey as a businessman, no sweat. Still a big fan of your channel, content and opinion. Love your website, you have some of the best prices period! Oh and you run your operations with soooo much professionalism. Love doing business with you fr fr
Bry, you are an amazing, honest and straight forward person. This was my immediate perception after following you through several videos. There are always those who seek to bring down another before they even have any of the facts. You will continue to succeed just by continuing to do what you do. Keep up the great work. (Honestly, I have been collecting since the early 70's and have never seen the previous book.) We really do need it here in the states. What you did is great thing!! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. John of 2Skegeeks
Bry, it’s a business. You care and love the hobby. You are great. Dell’Otto has lots of art out there. Who knows what he has done. Thank you for your content.
Bry, it’s an unfortunate situation however the way that you handled this was a masterclass. We all learn lessons in business and life from time to time and grow from those moments. Thank you for addressing this head on and not ducking the issue.
They way people in this "community" responded to this situation without having any facts is just another reason why I'm just about ready to stop doing UA-cam. You went above and being to not only do the right thing as a businessman, but to do the right thing as a human being. The only thing ruining the hobby are people that continue to push such toxicity perpetuated on social media.
You didn’t know a store exclusive could be similar to other art? Damn you’ve never seen one of the endless stream of homage covers? Haha everything wrong with the modern game is you bry
Thanks for the honesty Bry - Marvel should be the same ones noting that art has been used previously. It shouldn't be the responsibility of the retailer.
It's a lesson learned. You built your business. The reputation that you have been building for years should not be left in someone else's hands. The way you have been handling this has only raised your respectability even further. You're a true class act.
How did you not know to search “reume anomgo specialley something like that” when you were shown the art? Seems like you should just automatically know it was previously used on a foreign book from a different publisher to begin with. I can’t believe you did this.. 😂
I’m sorry to hear what happened. That’s an incredibly obscure book from Italy. I went to a comic shop in rome a few weeks ago. Mostly older comics but in Italian. Strange to see. Lots of adult comics that you used to see in America in the late 90s early 2000s
From the outside looking in, this is a very interesting story.. For various reasons, it is a fair assessment that you were in a position of not knowing. From where I stand, this looks like an oversight or perhaps simple incompetence on Marvel’s part. Keep up the great work, Bry dawg. Looking forward to future exclusives.
I understand it was misrepresented, but it's still a cool cover image that nobody in the States has ever seen before, and likely would never have owned if not released here as this exclusive. It'll still hold value to Dell'Otto collectors. Personally, i don't see a problem using foreign art this way (as long as it's disclosed).
Let's turn this lemon into Lemonade. Have CGC list it as the "Forgin Art ERR" version. And watch them triple in value. Look at the end of the day, I bought a box. I got the 9.8 version, and my 2nd slab was a Miles Morales #1, which I had already, but I bought it not from your store. So I really missed out on all the goodies, but man, it was the closest I ever got to a AF15 and ASM1, and it's a story I will repeat to other collectors. Patiently waiting for your next Spiderman Box. Or Xmen 1 or any of the big 1963 books.
Anyone who thought you knew about the image being used before obviously has never watched any of your content. Thanks for the transparency and taking this head on. It's still an amazing book.
Glad you decided to deal with this. Looking at it from the artist and business end. The artist or company owns the art. They can consent to it being reproduced as much as they want. If someone asks to reproduce some art for whatever reason, the artist provides the art. Both parties agree to the reproduction. The artist and/or company is making money, you have your exclusive, you make your money. This is no different than any comic company reproducing the comic book into a graphic novel or trade paperback. You reproduced the content of the comic, that had been previously used, why are you upset about the artwork on the cover? If you truly want an exclusive, commission the artist to make the art, then buy the artwork. Produce your exclusive, and it will be your exclusive. Never sell the artwork, because once you sell the artwork, you allow the other owner to do with it as they wish. They did not intend to deceive you or misguide you, the artist is only providing artwork and making money. If it has been used a dozen different times, great for them. It only looks bad in your eyes that an artist is recycling art. I think the cover looks good.
Thank you Bry for the transparency and honesty with this issue! I hope the value of these books continue to hold high. I'm going to by a Mystery Box when they are offered again in September! Thanks for all you do in this community!
I believe you, why would you want the heat for something that could been easily avoided if Marvel had did their homework. In the end it just shows that the publisher doesn’t care what collectors go thur. Transparency is always important on these type of things👍
Peace and love Bry! I’ll always cherish this book regardless of the situation. I’m sorry to hear this might have soured you on getting one of your heroes on your exclusive. You really seemed like a kid at Christmas when you made the announcement. It’s still awesome for sure and you’ve risen above the haters. Pretty sure the 9.9 trade dress hit a record a couple days ago even after it came to light? I think that bodes well for the book regardless of this “controversy”. Cheers man.
Wow the comic book industry has so many nuances that can make it as complicated as investing in stocks and real estate. Although it's not illegal for foreign copyright to use the same exclusive art in a different market, I think Marvel/Disney was deceptive for saying it was "new art" when it was created 20 years ago and I'm not sure if you could actually have legal claim for their deceptive practices because it's basically false advertising and lying. I just walked into my local comic book store and was disappointed when they didn't have the original art cover of the X-Men Hellfire Gala issue 1 that just came out and I had to settle for one of the variants available. There might be an overdemand for exclusive variant art which makes it very hard for Marvel to sustain demand. As I was digging through the $1 bins there was an overabundance of variant art covers for series that weren't even key issues which to me looks like too many variant arts in circulation with a limited supply of artist providing new art.
zero controversy on Brys side. I’ve watched since this channel started and he’s always been above board. Transparency and integrity go along way with all sales I’ve done with him.
Still an epic cover. Regardless of when it first appeared. Controversy often breeds value in this hobby. Fast forward 6 months and this will be largely over for you Bry. Keep your chin up.
Very nicely done Bry. This unfortunate series of events illustrates the importance of definitions as applied to contractual agreements. What you, I and every collector take the phrase “store exclusive” to mean as original art used exclusively for the cover of this particular comic book actually does not mean that the art was used only for that comic book. Your cover is technically a store exclusive for that issue of ASM. That the art was used before for a foreign publication, at least from Marvel’s perspective, does not lessen the exclusivity of your print run as it pertains to that issue of ASM. Clearly lawyers and not collectors came up with this concept. I think the problem with such definitions of exclusivity is that there is no clear stopping point, meaning that a cover could be exclusively used for one issue of one book and then be repurposed at a later date for any other book. Clearly there is a problem with Marvel’s (Disney’s) attitude and unfortunately this would not be the first time that the “little guy” got stabbed in the back by the behemoth. My heart goes out to you brother. The silver lining is that your book is still a superb comic book as is your Bry’s box of mystery, as is your store and channel. Nothing about any of this has “ruined” your good works in my estimate. Also, great yo see your new studio. Congrats! Love the gamma ray mood lighting touch as well.
Economics in comics had an issue with a limited number of comics being marketed as 500, But it turns out, written into the contracts of the artists and the staff etc.. that each person is entitled to a copy of the total output, Or something like that, there's the fine print behind the scenes that the artists and the staff are entitled to something as part of their contracts and so, if you market a comic as a print run of 500, it is 1 to 500 plus all the ones that the staff could have, which could end up to about 40 to 50 extra comics, then there's the damaged ones to take into consideration, so therefore there's an overprint that's need, and then what do you do as you marketed them at 500 only...in economics in comics case, he destroyed the excess copies on video.. I think that's what he did anyway. . but at any rate he arranged it so that there were only 500 in existence, But if you don't know how the industry works, you wouldn't know that there would be more than 500 in existence... so it all gets very complicated because money is involved and people want to make money.... through fair means or foul.
Well handled in general. I do sometimes think that what it means to "collect" somewhat has to be debated in terms of deciding what aspects of "collecting" need to be "respected", but that's another conversation. In terms of re-using art, didn't I see some Marvel variants that were re-using the older trading card art from the 90's?
Interesting how you were talking about what's legal is not alway right. You arranging with CGC to destroy copies of the Del Otto book to manufacture scarcity is not illegal but it's shady and not right in my opinion. You did it just so you could goose your numbers and say this is the most scarcer Del Otto ever. It's also interesting how certain retailers seem to get a curious amount of 9.9s and 10s back when they make these arrangements. I have no reservations about the fact that CGC is grimy, after all they are owned by a scumbag hedge fund. This means that retailers and sellers will also do what they can to game the market. I believe you had no idea about the cover being used but I also think you're being a little shady yourself
Damn that sucks. We really got screwed on this one, you most of all Bry. This was like your dream too... Marvel really did you dirty. The guy that dropped 5k on the virgin must be feeling pretty bad too right now
Bry is just a solid dude, and I'm glad he's out there and representing the comic community. If the entire industry held his standards, we'd all be better off. IMO, the only people that should have beef here are MAYBE the 3 people that spent thousands on the issue on ebay in the aftermarket. Everyone else is still wayyyy ahead of the game. People who bought the mystery box maybe a little annoyed, but still got fantastic value for their money. Everyone else out there with something negative to say, please take a breath and consider the reputation of the source before passing judgement.
As long as you are doing things you know in your heart is the right thing to do, then you can't ever go wrong. You are a really good guy Bry and sometimes weird things happen. Good luck to you brother.
To me if it was used state side then it would be more of an issue. Because it was used for foreign publications, to me it doesn't detract from this issue. Still an awesome cover and I'm glad I got one bur...I wish I would have gotten one of the Virginia covers.😂
Here's what Dell 'Otto should do.Time for a do-over. He should draw a unique cover with a virgin copy and have Marvel do another print run of 3000. CGC should grade and encapsulate 500 with 20 virgin copies and destroy the rest. You can then send them out to all those who received the original copies. Just a thought.
Bry, I bought the mystery box. I also get covers from Marvel and DC for my conventions. I learned this once with my DC cover, one year I did it for Alamo City Comic Con. My Batman Cover had him with a cape, then I saw my exclusive was being made with batman with no cape. Yes mine was different but still it was in store shelves with a slight difference. Lesson learned! I now hire the artists tell them what I want, then send to marvel or DC. I no longer let them send me pre approved covers. Sorry you had to go through this. You would have not known unless you have gone through this.
I watched a video yesterday that had this as a topic. Some were questioning your integrity. Though I don't know you personally, just watching your videos, I pretty much knew you had no idea that the cover was used prior to your exclusive with it. And I'm glad you made this video to tell your side. Hang in there brother. :)
Should offer a refund for every one
So are all the buyers going to get their money back? They didn't get what was advertised. There was hundreds if the same art printed
Mate, you have handled this like a champ. You are taking ownership for something that was not your fault but also not pointing fingers and so on. Keep up the great work and content.
I wish more people had the perspective to handle adversity with the same grace as you've done here. Your genuineness and positivity are truly appreciated.
Thank you!
So marvel can use Gabriel del Otto's art without notifying him cause he's obviously gonna see it
Depending on the licensing yes
I wonder if any buyer who has bought this book on the secondary market has requested a refund. This can snowball.
So what I don't understand is why you had to sign an NDA when I've heard from multiple dealers that they didn't have to. You have to admit that's a bit strange.
This level of dishonesty is so disappointing. Hope this doesn't happen again.
Would love to see an actual explanation from Marvel on this. Did they know it was previously used? Really crappy business practice on there end that puts all the risk onto you and other retailers
I believe you are sincere and genuine and understand, but you also sold out the blind box and we're the ones with a choice to hold a repro or try to sell and recoup our entry before it inevitably goes to 50 bucks. I don't blame you, but it's a bit apples and oranges.
Dell’Otto generally dates all his art under his signature. I don’t see a high resolution pic of his signature on your IG…but I see something is under the sig where he would normally put the year 🕸🤔🕸
For all
Italian version was releleased april 2004
German version as a hardcvr july 2004
Some of the best advice i ever got was from my dad when i was at a pretty low point in my life. He said "happiness is a choice." It took me a while to make it work but the old man was right and life had gotten a lot better since
Great advice
This is an Abraham Lincoln quote in origin.
Do you think destroying books to manufacture rarity is ethical? Is it good for the hobby? Will these books maintain value? Are retail exclusives i. General good buys for long term collectors or just good for flippers? Will other retailers abuse this? Food for thought.
IMO, I would not expect you would know that this image was used in a foreign country 19-years ago. Like you, I would expect Marvel would know, but who knows what records they keep. I agree everyone should move on.
It’s official now, welcome back to the 90s guys
I like it when there’s a mistake or a small misunderstanding like this, can blow up into a comic book conspiracy. 👽
Bry, you are a class act. Integrity and transparency is your brand and that is apparent in everything you do including your response in this video. I will always be a supporter and customer and I can tell you were hurt the most in all of this. Stay strong and keep moving forward with your top notch business
As a retail for over 25 yrs, I now have 100% respect for you. I was negative and I’m so sorry I was negative. BRY 2024 and 2028. The next Stan Lee.
Very informative video. As always, thank you for sharing and being as transparent as possible.
The devil is in the detail and that is the NDA that Bry signed with Marvel. How the word "exclusivity" is used in that NDA (pertaining to Marvel, Bry and the Dell'Otto camp) would reveal plenty more answers. And we'll never find out.
This thing started down a bad road when you went to CGC and had them destroy thousands of books to create more scarcity. Seems like there was alot of bad JuJu in that.
Wishing you all the best Bry
Great video props for transparency
So we should not pay outrageous prices on eBay for the store exclusive?
No worries, my friend!! Heck, Bry's "acetategate 2023" edition may actually go up in value due to the notoriety. TBH, it's likely that neither Marvel nor Dell Otto/ his agent realized the artwork had been previously used years ago in another country; how the heck could you have known? At least now you've learned an important business lesson about never assuming what you're buying/commissioning and being very clear on what you expect from business transactions in writing. You've taken responsibility, recorded an explanation, and apologized. Move on, don't sweat it, and enjoy the hobby/ business. I doubt you've lost any customers or fans. Thanks for your great content!
Keep strong brother always enjoy your videos and everything that you put on here always like your stuff because you always been honest with us about things!! I always appreciate that from a fellow collector!! keep up the good work!! Sometimes things happen that are out of our control but you handle it very well!! Like I said enjoy I enjoy your video's!! keep up the good work bro!! 😊😁👍
It's the death of Ms.Marvel! Nothing can go wrong, the sky is the limit baby!!!
😂
I have the panini sticker book featured in this video I bought it from Wal-Mart last month.
Where did you get the new shelves for your comics behind you???
I am with you all the way and not for a moment doubt your sincerity, but as a buyer of one of the 480 (and still happy with it) I would like to have the reaction of Marvel and Dell Otto. Haven't you contacted them for an explanation? You are their businesspartner in this, so I think you have the right for an expalnation and I would like to hear it. Their view, not what might have caused it or vague things like 'probably miscommunications'.
Great Video Bry. Im sure everyone appreciates your transparency and just sometimes......it is what it is. Learn , Stay Strong and be truthful in you convictions. To the future my dude. Respect.🤘
You had to sign an NDA saying you can't talk about the variant process? Is that normal? Haven't there been other retailers that talk pretty openly about their process dealing with DC, Marvel, and Image?
Very informative and sincere video, as always. Your integrity is beyond question in my book. A responsible individual is one who takes praise and criticism for their actions equally. You owned up my friend and I never had a doubt. Been following you since comically correct comics. Thank you for continuing to be the beacon of truth.
Bry, I 100% don’t blame you for this. The fact is you made a deal with marvel for an exclusive and they didn’t honor your agreement, unless there was some fine print you missed. I guessing marvel has no response. They should give you another “truly” exclusive imo to right this wrong.
If they all were mystery box exclusives why do you have a extra 9.9 up on your wall?
Kept one for himself as he has done with every exclusive he’s ever done. He has said that in more than one video regarding this book.
Thanks for making this video and detailing your perspective. There are a few toxic individuals who are more than ready to jump on someone’s throat when they’re down. I did a video of one of your mystery boxes last year that just had a big upsurge in viewers. I did not get the most exciting Slabs, but I explain that I was taking the chance of winning one of the big prizes. Some commenters just want to jump on the fact that the slabs were underwhelming. Always appreciate the Contant. Keep it up and better luck with the next exclusive.
marketing Genius, the book is rising in value over the controversy. Glad I got one with my mystery box.
At the end of the day I personally love the cover and your Variant obviously looks better. I'm happy that we got it on an American Variant.
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that, I dont' blame you at all for that Dell Otto issue. I watch every single one of your videos and you come across as a real standup guy. I love your passion for the comic industry and for us collectors. I wish I could lean from you first hand I really do. But I am proud of your channel and compared to the comic shop owners we have here locally, you put a sense of fairness and contrite objectivity and people watch you because you do an outstanding job. Ive been collecting comics since around 1970. Sold my collection to help pay for my wedding, and now I am buying issues for my 5 year old grandson who likes spider-man. I wish I was local to you, your are an outstanding example for shop owners to follow.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words…
You have been extremely candid and informative about every aspect of this controversial issue. I would really like to see you on BEYOND WEDNESDAYS to give your perspective, especially after their last episode.
Handled with grace and respect. So sorry you went through this.
Respect for how you’ve handled this whole situation
I have been watching you even before you made this a full-time job. I believe everything you said my dude. The ticking time bomb was the perfect example. Keep doing what you do my guy.
You're not to blame here, but I can understand how someone who thought that they were buying "the rarest Dell'Otto" cover ever was just buying recycled art. Maybe you can offer a discount on your next box to anyone who bought this one? It might be a decent way of making things right with those who are upset.
Dell'Otto cashed in twice. Sneaky move by him and his people, but Marvel/Disney should have caught this and let it be known to Bry that this is not the rarest Dell'Otto cover. Shame on Marvel 😔
@@jsantiago4841 100%
I find it hard to believe that whomever sent you the art, didn't know it was used before. Secondly, if Dell'Otto okayed the use, he had to remember he drew it a while back, whether or not he knew it was previously used, he should've at least mentioned it.
Dude, Bry, what a rough situation! As someone that has purchased the two prior mystery boxes before this one, I must say that I appreciate the transparency (as you always try to do). I know that you can't technically say much about the process because of the NDA, but I appreciate the bits that we have been able to pick up on. I'm sure that this revelation must have been devastating for you, especially because he's one of your favorite artists! I for one have not lost faith in you as a seller or creator and do not believe you were doing anything shady here. Keep up the great work!
Small hiccup in your life journey as a businessman, no sweat. Still a big fan of your channel, content and opinion. Love your website, you have some of the best prices period! Oh and you run your operations with soooo much professionalism. Love doing business with you fr fr
Bry, great job of getting in front of this and showing everyone in the community that transparency is the way to go. Awesome from start to finish!!
This is how you get out there and own it. Well done, Bry. Crappy situation for everyone, including you!
You shed a lot of light on many areas, thanks
Bry, you are an amazing, honest and straight forward person. This was my immediate perception after following you through several videos. There are always those who seek to bring down another before they even have any of the facts. You will continue to succeed just by continuing to do what you do. Keep up the great work. (Honestly, I have been collecting since the early 70's and have never seen the previous book.) We really do need it here in the states. What you did is great thing!! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. John of 2Skegeeks
dude: they owe you a complimentary piece of art
Bry, it’s a business. You care and love the hobby. You are great. Dell’Otto has lots of art out there. Who knows what he has done. Thank you for your content.
I had tremendous respect for you and the way you do business. That respect has just doubled! Customer forever here ❤❤❤❤❤
Bry, it’s an unfortunate situation however the way that you handled this was a masterclass.
We all learn lessons in business and life from time to time and grow from those moments.
Thank you for addressing this head on and not ducking the issue.
Good publicity for you
You’ve handled this situation beyond well. You are such a great retailer and communicator for our great comic hobby !
They way people in this "community" responded to this situation without having any facts is just another reason why I'm just about ready to stop doing UA-cam. You went above and being to not only do the right thing as a businessman, but to do the right thing as a human being. The only thing ruining the hobby are people that continue to push such toxicity perpetuated on social media.
I actually have the Panini Comics News from November 2004 with this art. I also happen to have that sticker book you mentioned lol.
You didn’t know a store exclusive could be similar to other art? Damn you’ve never seen one of the endless stream of homage covers? Haha everything wrong with the modern game is you bry
Thanks for the honesty Bry - Marvel should be the same ones noting that art has been used previously. It shouldn't be the responsibility of the retailer.
Always felt that you were a standup guy and much respect. I’m happy with my copy of said book and just glad to own that beautiful cover.
It's a lesson learned. You built your business. The reputation that you have been building for years should not be left in someone else's hands. The way you have been handling this has only raised your respectability even further. You're a true class act.
How did you not know to search “reume anomgo specialley something like that” when you were shown the art? Seems like you should just automatically know it was previously used on a foreign book from a different publisher to begin with. I can’t believe you did this.. 😂
Thank you.
Keep doing what you do. We as collecrors need you. I cannot wait for the next cell on the next page.
I’m sorry to hear what happened.
That’s an incredibly obscure book from Italy. I went to a comic shop in rome a few weeks ago. Mostly older comics but in Italian. Strange to see. Lots of adult comics that you used to see in America in the late 90s early 2000s
Your integrity and transparency is really appreciated. Keep up the good work Bry!
From the outside looking in, this is a very interesting story.. For various reasons, it is a fair assessment that you were in a position of not knowing. From where I stand, this looks like an oversight or perhaps simple incompetence on Marvel’s part.
Keep up the great work, Bry dawg. Looking forward to future exclusives.
I understand it was misrepresented, but it's still a cool cover image that nobody in the States has ever seen before, and likely would never have owned if not released here as this exclusive. It'll still hold value to Dell'Otto collectors. Personally, i don't see a problem using foreign art this way (as long as it's disclosed).
Let's turn this lemon into Lemonade. Have CGC list it as the "Forgin Art ERR" version. And watch them triple in value. Look at the end of the day, I bought a box. I got the 9.8 version, and my 2nd slab was a Miles Morales #1, which I had already, but I bought it not from your store. So I really missed out on all the goodies, but man, it was the closest I ever got to a AF15 and ASM1, and it's a story I will repeat to other collectors. Patiently waiting for your next Spiderman Box. Or Xmen 1 or any of the big 1963 books.
Thanks for an informative video! You are a class act!
Anyone who thought you knew about the image being used before obviously has never watched any of your content. Thanks for the transparency and taking this head on. It's still an amazing book.
Glad you decided to deal with this. Looking at it from the artist and business end. The artist or company owns the art. They can consent to it being reproduced as much as they want. If someone asks to reproduce some art for whatever reason, the artist provides the art. Both parties agree to the reproduction. The artist and/or company is making money, you have your exclusive, you make your money. This is no different than any comic company reproducing the comic book into a graphic novel or trade paperback. You reproduced the content of the comic, that had been previously used, why are you upset about the artwork on the cover? If you truly want an exclusive, commission the artist to make the art, then buy the artwork. Produce your exclusive, and it will be your exclusive. Never sell the artwork, because once you sell the artwork, you allow the other owner to do with it as they wish. They did not intend to deceive you or misguide you, the artist is only providing artwork and making money. If it has been used a dozen different times, great for them. It only looks bad in your eyes that an artist is recycling art. I think the cover looks good.
Thank you Bry for the transparency and honesty with this issue! I hope the value of these books continue to hold high. I'm going to by a Mystery Box when they are offered again in September! Thanks for all you do in this community!
Honesty and integrity for sure. Keeping doing what you do man!
I believe you, why would you want the heat for something that could been easily avoided if Marvel had did their homework.
In the end it just shows that the publisher doesn’t care what collectors go thur. Transparency is always important on these type of things👍
Peace and love Bry! I’ll always cherish this book regardless of the situation. I’m sorry to hear this might have soured you on getting one of your heroes on your exclusive. You really seemed like a kid at Christmas when you made the announcement. It’s still awesome for sure and you’ve risen above the haters. Pretty sure the 9.9 trade dress hit a record a couple days ago even after it came to light? I think that bodes well for the book regardless of this “controversy”. Cheers man.
Wow the comic book industry has so many nuances that can make it as complicated as investing in stocks and real estate. Although it's not illegal for foreign copyright to use the same exclusive art in a different market, I think Marvel/Disney was deceptive for saying it was "new art" when it was created 20 years ago and I'm not sure if you could actually have legal claim for their deceptive practices because it's basically false advertising and lying. I just walked into my local comic book store and was disappointed when they didn't have the original art cover of the X-Men Hellfire Gala issue 1 that just came out and I had to settle for one of the variants available. There might be an overdemand for exclusive variant art which makes it very hard for Marvel to sustain demand. As I was digging through the $1 bins there was an overabundance of variant art covers for series that weren't even key issues which to me looks like too many variant arts in circulation with a limited supply of artist providing new art.
zero controversy on Brys side. I’ve watched since this channel started and he’s always been above board. Transparency and integrity go along way with all sales I’ve done with him.
Hang in there Bry, this is not your fault and I hope people will realize that.
Still an epic cover. Regardless of when it first appeared. Controversy often breeds value in this hobby. Fast forward 6 months and this will be largely over for you Bry. Keep your chin up.
Love watching your stuff. Very transparent!
Very nicely done Bry. This unfortunate series of events illustrates the importance of definitions as applied to contractual agreements. What you, I and every collector take the phrase “store exclusive” to mean as original art used exclusively for the cover of this particular comic book actually does not mean that the art was used only for that comic book. Your cover is technically a store exclusive for that issue of ASM. That the art was used before for a foreign publication, at least from Marvel’s perspective, does not lessen the exclusivity of your print run as it pertains to that issue of ASM. Clearly lawyers and not collectors came up with this concept. I think the problem with such definitions of exclusivity is that there is no clear stopping point, meaning that a cover could be exclusively used for one issue of one book and then be repurposed at a later date for any other book. Clearly there is a problem with Marvel’s (Disney’s) attitude and unfortunately this would not be the first time that the “little guy” got stabbed in the back by the behemoth. My heart goes out to you brother. The silver lining is that your book is still a superb comic book as is your Bry’s box of mystery, as is your store and channel. Nothing about any of this has “ruined” your good works in my estimate. Also, great yo see your new studio. Congrats! Love the gamma ray mood lighting touch as well.
Economics in comics had an issue with a limited number of comics being marketed as 500, But it turns out, written into the contracts of the artists and the staff etc.. that each person is entitled to a copy of the total output, Or something like that, there's the fine print behind the scenes that the artists and the staff are entitled to something as part of their contracts and so, if you market a comic as a print run of 500, it is 1 to 500 plus all the ones that the staff could have, which could end up to about 40 to 50 extra comics, then there's the damaged ones to take into consideration, so therefore there's an overprint that's need, and then what do you do as you marketed them at 500 only...in economics in comics case, he destroyed the excess copies on video.. I think that's what he did anyway. . but at any rate he arranged it so that there were only 500 in existence, But if you don't know how the industry works, you wouldn't know that there would be more than 500 in existence... so it all gets very complicated because money is involved and people want to make money.... through fair means or foul.
Love you Bry. Conflict creates continuity. You will help change the industry.
Well handled in general. I do sometimes think that what it means to "collect" somewhat has to be debated in terms of deciding what aspects of "collecting" need to be "respected", but that's another conversation. In terms of re-using art, didn't I see some Marvel variants that were re-using the older trading card art from the 90's?
4:31 Wow so fluent 🤣Actually looks like you are casting a Harry Porter spell Bry
Lmao
I don't see you at fault, and I think this discussion went further than needed. Love what you're doing. Keep it up.
Interesting how you were talking about what's legal is not alway right. You arranging with CGC to destroy copies of the Del Otto book to manufacture scarcity is not illegal but it's shady and not right in my opinion. You did it just so you could goose your numbers and say this is the most scarcer Del Otto ever. It's also interesting how certain retailers seem to get a curious amount of 9.9s and 10s back when they make these arrangements. I have no reservations about the fact that CGC is grimy, after all they are owned by a scumbag hedge fund. This means that retailers and sellers will also do what they can to game the market. I believe you had no idea about the cover being used but I also think you're being a little shady yourself
Damn that sucks. We really got screwed on this one, you most of all Bry. This was like your dream too... Marvel really did you dirty. The guy that dropped 5k on the virgin must be feeling pretty bad too right now
Bry is just a solid dude, and I'm glad he's out there and representing the comic community. If the entire industry held his standards, we'd all be better off. IMO, the only people that should have beef here are MAYBE the 3 people that spent thousands on the issue on ebay in the aftermarket. Everyone else is still wayyyy ahead of the game. People who bought the mystery box maybe a little annoyed, but still got fantastic value for their money. Everyone else out there with something negative to say, please take a breath and consider the reputation of the source before passing judgement.
That's Italian spiderman comic...I have a few
As long as you are doing things you know in your heart is the right thing to do, then you can't ever go wrong. You are a really good guy Bry and sometimes weird things happen. Good luck to you brother.
Makes you wonder how many other exclusives were originally used over seas.
To me if it was used state side then it would be more of an issue. Because it was used for foreign publications, to me it doesn't detract from this issue. Still an awesome cover and I'm glad I got one bur...I wish I would have gotten one of the Virginia covers.😂
Here's what Dell 'Otto should do.Time for a do-over. He should draw a unique cover with a virgin copy and have Marvel do another print run of 3000. CGC should grade and encapsulate 500 with 20 virgin copies and destroy the rest. You can then send them out to all those who received the original copies. Just a thought.
Bry, I bought the mystery box. I also get covers from Marvel and DC for my conventions.
I learned this once with my DC cover, one year I did it for Alamo City Comic Con. My Batman Cover had him with a cape, then I saw my exclusive was being made with batman with no cape.
Yes mine was different but still it was in store shelves with a slight difference.
Lesson learned! I now hire the artists tell them what I want, then send to marvel or DC. I no longer let them send me pre approved covers.
Sorry you had to go through this. You would have not known unless you have gone through this.
I watched a video yesterday that had this as a topic. Some were questioning your integrity. Though I don't know you personally, just watching your videos, I pretty much knew you had no idea that the cover was used prior to your exclusive with it. And I'm glad you made this video to tell your side. Hang in there brother. :)
I don't think this would tarnish your rep in anyway. I'm still planning on buying the next mystery box no matter what the variant.
🙏🏻👍
Great on you being honest!