Hiya, Jim. I have always loved treasury editions. First one I ever got was when I was 10, I sent away for a HULK Treasury Edition that contained one of the Lee/Kirby original issues, a couple Tales to Astonish reprints, a couple Roy Thomas/Herb Trimpe reprints, and a reprint of Gerber & Starlin's Marvel Feature #11. I used to read and reread that treasury edition so much. As a kid, I thought they were fun collections to have. As an adult, I like them for completely different reasons. Largely I enjoy seeing the classic art on a big-screen scale.
Cool video. I'm probably about the same age as you, and I had a few of those treasuries as a kid - well, still have them. The first Conan one you showed, a Batman Limited Coll Ed you didn't show, and the Star Wars Whitman ones. Maybe a couple more. You are so right about storing them! Mine are all beat up enough that they are virtually worthless though I'm guessing the SW ones will be worth a little, someday, if they aren't yet - everything SW seems gold eventually.
I've got a few of the Marvel / DC team ups. Superman vs Spider-Man and Hulk vs Batman come to mind. Not forgetting Superman vs Muhammad Ali, with some great Neil Adams art. 👍
Hello Jim, very informative as ever. I'm going to pass on your information to a young collector that admires my vast collection so he doesn't get mislead.thank you sir
I had all the Marvel one's i bought as a kid loved those books, I would love to find a set of those stickers Marvel sold around that time to, I had those stuck all over my walls, can't find them anywhere, I used to mail order all that Marvel stuff from 75 to 78 those where the day's
My LCS usually has a short box or two of the treasury editions. Unfortunately, they usually price them on the higher side, so I've stuck with other reprints. Great video.
I collect the treasury editions myself, there are a few of these books that are not reprints, like the Howard the Duck issue as well as a few DC/Marvel editions Superman vs Spider-man for example. I still think these books are grossly undervalued as they were not widely distributed when they were available. I was lucky enough that my local convenience store sold a few copies of them when they came out. Thinking back, in rural Canada in the mid 70's that was rather lucky. lol
Bravo on covering treasury editions, I love 'em. A couple of details for you -- Regarding scammers who try to pass off DC Famous 1st Edition (F1E) reprints as genuine Golden Age keys, there are only six F1E comics that include both a cardstock outer cover and a replica cover on glossy paper inside of it. They are: Action 1, Superman 1, Detective 27, Batman 1, Sensation 1 and Whiz 2. The other three F1E comics -- Wonder Woman 1, All-Star 3 and Flash Comics 1 -- have only a cardstock outer cover, no glossy replica. So the six with glossy covers are the most likely to be used by scammers. Also regarding scammers, it's important to note that the Famous 1st Edition of Whiz Comics 2 has a cover that differs from the original in one easy-to-notice way. That is, an original Whiz 2 has lettering that reads "GANGWAY FOR CAPTAIN MARVEL!" and appears between Captain Marvel's feet. On the cover of the Famous 1st Edition, this lettering is absent -- see 5:07 in this video. Scammers have been trying to pass off F1E comics as genuine keys since back in the 1970s, when I first heard about it. The typical situation then was, the scammer would go to a comic convention and park his car in the convention site's lot, then talk to passersby, claiming to be a down-on-his-luck dealer looking to unload some major DC keys at incredible prices. Today, electronic communications play a role in this same swindle. For example, Gary of Very Gary Comics posted a YT video wherein he described a text-message encounter with a sketchy seller who was offering a Batman #1, and I'm pretty sure the seller actually had a F1E with the cardstock outer cover removed. Regardless, the seller disappeared before much communication had occurred -- probably the best outcome for Gary. In my own town, a couple of years ago someone posted a Craigslist item offering what were apparently F1E reprints of Whiz 2, Batman 1 and (I think) Sensation 1, minus the cardstock. The photo (there was only one photo) didn't give a sense of scale, and the Whiz 2 was missing the "GANGWAY" wording. The wording of the ad was super-cagey, saying something to the effect of, "old comics, warehouse find, great condition, I don't know anything about comics so make an offer. Cash only. Text me at such-and-such." In other words, "I'm not going to come right out and claim that these are Golden Age keys, but if you want to jump to that conclusion I won't stop you." I contacted the local police department and was told they couldn't do anything until someone actually bought the comics. I contacted Craigslist, who made no response to me. After a few weeks, the ad disappeared but I'm not sure why. Finally, on a different note -- it's easy enough to store treasury editions on tall bookshelves, standing upright and sandwiched between large hardcover books for the sake of stability. That's what I do. :)
What collectors are missing on these books is that they are actually artist's proofs. Any reprints of the contents in those books is printed on glossy paper and they look like crap. The only place you can get this classic material printed on newsprint paper the way it should be presented is either with the original books or in the Marvel and DC treasury reprints. That is it. These books are magnificent and tragically underrated and under valued. Especially the Conans with BWS art. But as usual today's tourist fanboy/speculators are too stupid to appreciate them....
Thank you for this, I have a Tec 27 that I’ve never been able to locate what it actually is, I now think the outer wrap is just removed from one of these, still a great book to have in the collection!
Great stuff! I wish there were better options available to display non graded magazine sized comics. I have some Marvel Super Specials, some virgin cover Star Wars insiders and various other oversized publications. I like how Gator Guards look for regular comics and I’d love to have something like that for the larger formats.
Allow me to put emphasis on the part about these being mostly giant REPRINTS making it silly to pay more than 20 by bucks! It's quite another matter when it's mostly NEW MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY the DC/MARVEL CROSSOVERS, like SUPERMAN V. SPIDER-MAN!
While the contents may be reprints, the Neal Adams wrap around cover is original (I believe). I would think that alone would increase demand for at least that book.
In regards to the detective 27 ebay auction, the bidding was up to $20,000!!! I messaged the seller letting him know he had a treasury sized edition not an original. He took the auction down claiming he didnt know much about comics. The description read the book was from 1939 but did list the oversized dimensions of the book which to me shows he knew what he had, because if he sold it he listed the oversized description and that it was from 1939. The book had been aged as well
I really like treasury editions. my first ever was the star wars #1 treasury which i read and read as a kid and that comic got beat up pretty badly. so fast forward about 40 years and i have been hunting for the treasury star wars at a decent price and wouldn't you know, my LCS got a stack of #1 and #2's in all in amazing conditions. the store is called Casablanca Comics in Portland Maine. Rick the owner has a ton of them in really great shape if you want a set. He has a facebook page for his store. it's literally one of the best comic stores in maine.
Wasn’t there an All Stars with the Justice Society of America and Superman #@ treasury editions. I know they at one time would take the covers off smaller treasury dc editions and attach them to cover less golden age books and pass them off as original dc golden age I remember reading about.
Why do people still try to do these scams on eBay? It’s so easy for the buyer to contact eBay to get the refund anyways. It’s a waste of time for everybody
Hiya, Jim. I have always loved treasury editions. First one I ever got was when I was 10, I sent away for a HULK Treasury Edition that contained one of the Lee/Kirby original issues, a couple Tales to Astonish reprints, a couple Roy Thomas/Herb Trimpe reprints, and a reprint of Gerber & Starlin's Marvel Feature #11. I used to read and reread that treasury edition so much. As a kid, I thought they were fun collections to have. As an adult, I like them for completely different reasons. Largely I enjoy seeing the classic art on a big-screen scale.
Cool video. I'm probably about the same age as you, and I had a few of those treasuries as a kid - well, still have them. The first Conan one you showed, a Batman Limited Coll Ed you didn't show, and the Star Wars Whitman ones. Maybe a couple more. You are so right about storing them! Mine are all beat up enough that they are virtually worthless though I'm guessing the SW ones will be worth a little, someday, if they aren't yet - everything SW seems gold eventually.
I got a hold of the Silver Famous First Edition of Batman #1 & had Bob Kane sign the cover back in 89
I've got a few of the Marvel / DC team ups. Superman vs Spider-Man and Hulk vs Batman come to mind. Not forgetting Superman vs Muhammad Ali, with some great Neil Adams art. 👍
Hello Jim, very informative as ever. I'm going to pass on your information to a young collector that admires my vast collection so he doesn't get mislead.thank you sir
I had all the Marvel one's i bought as a kid loved those books, I would love to find a set of those stickers Marvel sold around that time to, I had those stuck all over my walls, can't find them anywhere, I used to mail order all that Marvel stuff from 75 to 78 those where the day's
My LCS usually has a short box or two of the treasury editions. Unfortunately, they usually price them on the higher side, so I've stuck with other reprints. Great video.
I have 23 of these and 21 of the DC line.
I collect the treasury editions myself, there are a few of these books that are not reprints, like the Howard the Duck issue as well as a few DC/Marvel editions Superman vs Spider-man for example. I still think these books are grossly undervalued as they were not widely distributed when they were available. I was lucky enough that my local convenience store sold a few copies of them when they came out. Thinking back, in rural Canada in the mid 70's that was rather lucky. lol
Very helpful Jim. Thank you.
I had the Wonder Woman #1 treasury edition, I’m pretty sure it was the first time I was able read her origin story. :)
Bravo on covering treasury editions, I love 'em.
A couple of details for you --
Regarding scammers who try to pass off DC Famous 1st Edition (F1E) reprints as genuine Golden Age keys, there are only six F1E comics that include both a cardstock outer cover and a replica cover on glossy paper inside of it. They are: Action 1, Superman 1, Detective 27, Batman 1, Sensation 1 and Whiz 2. The other three F1E comics -- Wonder Woman 1, All-Star 3 and Flash Comics 1 -- have only a cardstock outer cover, no glossy replica. So the six with glossy covers are the most likely to be used by scammers.
Also regarding scammers, it's important to note that the Famous 1st Edition of Whiz Comics 2 has a cover that differs from the original in one easy-to-notice way. That is, an original Whiz 2 has lettering that reads "GANGWAY FOR CAPTAIN MARVEL!" and appears between Captain Marvel's feet. On the cover of the Famous 1st Edition, this lettering is absent -- see 5:07 in this video.
Scammers have been trying to pass off F1E comics as genuine keys since back in the 1970s, when I first heard about it. The typical situation then was, the scammer would go to a comic convention and park his car in the convention site's lot, then talk to passersby, claiming to be a down-on-his-luck dealer looking to unload some major DC keys at incredible prices. Today, electronic communications play a role in this same swindle. For example, Gary of Very Gary Comics posted a YT video wherein he described a text-message encounter with a sketchy seller who was offering a Batman #1, and I'm pretty sure the seller actually had a F1E with the cardstock outer cover removed. Regardless, the seller disappeared before much communication had occurred -- probably the best outcome for Gary.
In my own town, a couple of years ago someone posted a Craigslist item offering what were apparently F1E reprints of Whiz 2, Batman 1 and (I think) Sensation 1, minus the cardstock. The photo (there was only one photo) didn't give a sense of scale, and the Whiz 2 was missing the "GANGWAY" wording. The wording of the ad was super-cagey, saying something to the effect of, "old comics, warehouse find, great condition, I don't know anything about comics so make an offer. Cash only. Text me at such-and-such." In other words, "I'm not going to come right out and claim that these are Golden Age keys, but if you want to jump to that conclusion I won't stop you." I contacted the local police department and was told they couldn't do anything until someone actually bought the comics. I contacted Craigslist, who made no response to me. After a few weeks, the ad disappeared but I'm not sure why.
Finally, on a different note -- it's easy enough to store treasury editions on tall bookshelves, standing upright and sandwiched between large hardcover books for the sake of stability. That's what I do. :)
I think it is amazing how many listings on eBay are misleading (mistakenly or purposely). Great video.
What collectors are missing on these books is that they are actually artist's proofs. Any reprints of the contents in those books is printed on glossy paper and they look like crap. The only place you can get this classic material printed on newsprint paper the way it should be presented is either with the original books or in the Marvel and DC treasury reprints. That is it. These books are magnificent and tragically underrated and under valued. Especially the Conans with BWS art. But as usual today's tourist fanboy/speculators are too stupid to appreciate them....
Thank you for this info!
I have the LoSH treasury book.
Thanks for the info
Thank you for this, I have a Tec 27 that I’ve never been able to locate what it actually is, I now think the outer wrap is just removed from one of these, still a great book to have in the collection!
Great stuff! I wish there were better options available to display non graded magazine sized comics. I have some Marvel Super Specials, some virgin cover Star Wars insiders and various other oversized publications. I like how Gator Guards look for regular comics and I’d love to have something like that for the larger formats.
I was at half priced books and I saw 100 page special of crisis on infinite earth
Allow me to put emphasis on the part about these being mostly giant REPRINTS making it silly to pay more than 20 by bucks! It's quite another matter when it's mostly NEW MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY the DC/MARVEL CROSSOVERS, like SUPERMAN V. SPIDER-MAN!
While the contents may be reprints, the Neal Adams wrap around cover is original (I believe). I would think that alone would increase demand for at least that book.
In regards to the detective 27 ebay auction, the bidding was up to $20,000!!! I messaged the seller letting him know he had a treasury sized edition not an original. He took the auction down claiming he didnt know much about comics. The description read the book was from 1939 but did list the oversized dimensions of the book which to me shows he knew what he had, because if he sold it he listed the oversized description and that it was from 1939. The book had been aged as well
I really like treasury editions. my first ever was the star wars #1 treasury which i read and read as a kid and that comic got beat up pretty badly. so fast forward about 40 years and i have been hunting for the treasury star wars at a decent price and wouldn't you know, my LCS got a stack of #1 and #2's in all in amazing conditions. the store is called Casablanca Comics in Portland Maine. Rick the owner has a ton of them in really great shape if you want a set. He has a facebook page for his store. it's literally one of the best comic stores in maine.
Wasn’t there an All Stars with the Justice Society of America and Superman #@ treasury editions. I know they at one time would take the covers off smaller treasury dc editions and attach them to cover less golden age books and pass them off as original dc golden age I remember reading about.
Can’t wait for KingKon II. Are you bringing any Archies?
I’m afraid I don’t really have any Archies that I’ve sorted through. Nothing too old for those books.
@@bronzevillecomics2581 no problem. I’ll be still be there. Thanks very much for responding.
They never come to Australia cost too much ship hear
Why do people still try to do these scams on eBay? It’s so easy for the buyer to contact eBay to get the refund anyways. It’s a waste of time for everybody
How do ship a book that size?
I never have. I guess a larger, flat box.
Gosh I think comic books are large enough on their own. These guys are a lil too much for my lil eyes.