I love your videos. They're not only amazingly informative, they're also really relaxing -- kinda like watching Bob Ross, that painter guy with the huge hair on PBS!
I pulled my 8 long box collection out of storage after 30 years, inspired by watching your meticulous cleaning and pressing videos. I’ve invested in a clamshell heat press and all of the cleaning supplies to up the grade potential on all of them prior to CGC submission. 70% of them are modern (1989-1993) and the balance are silver and copper age. My goal is to leave a solid investment from the hobby I’ve loved for 50+ years to my 4 kids. Thanks so much for your knowledge and techniques as a guide to reaching that goal!
Thanks for the compliment and best of luck David! It is very rewarding to see your own collection improve due to investment in learning how to clean and press.
Much appreciated video. I was surprised you could use the Absorine pad to the degree that you did and not lose gloss or color. Nice job, and as others have said, very relaxing to watch. Best wishes
I really like that you posted this despite receiving the same grade. Big wins are fun to watch but I liked the authenticity of the experience in this video much more.
Yup! It's part of the game. Every attempt is a calculated risk and sometimes they don't pay off. In a worst case scenario, you could actually damage the book by detaching a staple or tearing the cover. You never know! But that is what makes it exciting! I do think it is important to show everyone both sides. I am not trying to make myself out to be the best presser out there (there are plenty better than me), and I think that allows me to be more honest with the results.
I really like the fact that you you are posting a video that didn't have the same amount of success as some of your other books. It's good to show the good and the bad, in my opinion. The book definitely looks much better than then it originally did. Well done!
Thanks! And I agree. It's part of the "game" and you can't always come out on top. Overall, this one presented a lot better after the work I put into it, and when you get into higher value books (as you probably know) this can impact the resale value. Things like centering and even the position in the case become important. With this one I lucked out in getting it on an upswing in value. So I still came out ahead, but it is definitely worth it to show the risk of it staying the same or even dropping in grade. Hope we have a bigger "win" for the next one!
Inspiring despite the lack of grade change. You've got me working through my Silver Age Hulk where I've even managed to remove some grease pencil dates from covers with pretty good results. Thanks for this content. Much appreciated.
Man loved your video. I clean and press my books almost exactly like you do. I even have the same presser. I use two steel plates top and bottom. Don’t have to flip it over if you use two plates. I got lucky with presser also bought used
Same here! I picked mine up from a photographer that was moving out of town and didn't want to deal with it! I love this press. And I learned from KaptainMykes CPR handbook. It's such a great resource and tried and true methods.
Very informative video. Honestly though, a 4.0 represents such an accumulation of defects in the first place, that I'd have been surprised if you were able to eke out a higher grade. But for me, the reholder with the new label would be worth the effort and expense. And you are right that the book presents better now, which if you decide to sell, may result in a higher sale price anyway.
Yes, I was able to get a higher resale value for the book, but mostly due to the market increase. What was appealing to me about this book was how dirty it was. The notes stated heavy bends and soiling to the cover, which I knew I could improve. Plus, the staples and cover were intact, which is usually the grade killer for a book in this range. So I thought I had a chance! Either way, it was fun to work on and very cool to actually read the book. Overall, it was a calculated risk and thankfully I still ended up on top.
I managed to score some free dental picks from my hygienist the last time I went to the dentist. They work great for removing debris (tip: I use my camera phone to zoom in on the debris so I can take extra care when picking at the comic)
Great video! Have you ever pressed a ASM 238? Wondering if I should modify the pressing technique of the SRP and card stock on the back cover due to the Tattooz?
I haven't done a Tattooz, but I believe people sandwich them in card stock like you would a digital insert. It wouldn't hurt to add SRP too. I have done that for Mark Jeweler inserts so that the adhesive does not stick to the inside page.
Seriously please do more. I can watch this for hours. Very relaxing and extremely helpful. Learned alot! I do have a question about your absorbing pad. Mine has what seems like a "seam" down the middle from the manufacturing of it. Are you cautious not to rub that "seam" on the books? Or does it not matter?
There are two sizes that are sold... one for "soot removal" and another for dirt. The soot one (the one you have) is twice as thick and has the seem. I get the larger ones and then use a giant bread knife (it sounds crazy) to cut it in half along the seem. I then cut 1.5" pieces, and that is what I use for cleaning. So essentially the pieces don't have the seem.
@@epicomicologycomics excellent so it sounds like we get the same one! I essentially have been doing the same thing but with scissors. Thank you so much brother! 🙌🏼
Great video may I make a suggestion and invest in a microphone you will get a more consistent audio when you are speaking. Great video looking forward to more videos
I have a Rhode external mic that still doesn't work very well. I will keep trying to improve the audio though! One issue is that a lot of times I film after the kids go to bed and that results in me talking more softly.
Curious if youve ever used hydrogen peroxide and UV light to reverse tanning and foxing. Some videos shows it works wonders but im curious about it being flagged as restoration when sent to CGC?
I plan to make a video on this. I have played with it enough to feel confident in the technique. I don't think I would use it anywhere there is text though as you would likely bleach the ink.
Yeah, it's just all part of the game though. I've won big plenty of times and luckily broke even the rest. Either way, the book was hugely visually improved. That counts for something in the resale market.
I love your videos. They're not only amazingly informative, they're also really relaxing -- kinda like watching Bob Ross, that painter guy with the huge hair on PBS!
LOL, I have actually been compared to Bob Ross before. I guess this is my version of painting with Bob!
I pulled my 8 long box collection out of storage after 30 years, inspired by watching your meticulous cleaning and pressing videos. I’ve invested in a clamshell heat press and all of the cleaning supplies to up the grade potential on all of them prior to CGC submission. 70% of them are modern (1989-1993) and the balance are silver and copper age. My goal is to leave a solid investment from the hobby I’ve loved for 50+ years to my 4 kids. Thanks so much for your knowledge and techniques as a guide to reaching that goal!
Thanks for the compliment and best of luck David! It is very rewarding to see your own collection improve due to investment in learning how to clean and press.
Where did you got your cleaning supplies?
Much appreciated video. I was surprised you could use the Absorine pad to the degree that you did and not lose gloss or color. Nice job, and as others have said, very relaxing to watch. Best wishes
I really like that you posted this despite receiving the same grade. Big wins are fun to watch but I liked the authenticity of the experience in this video much more.
Yup! It's part of the game. Every attempt is a calculated risk and sometimes they don't pay off. In a worst case scenario, you could actually damage the book by detaching a staple or tearing the cover. You never know! But that is what makes it exciting! I do think it is important to show everyone both sides. I am not trying to make myself out to be the best presser out there (there are plenty better than me), and I think that allows me to be more honest with the results.
I really like the fact that you you are posting a video that didn't have the same amount of success as some of your other books. It's good to show the good and the bad, in my opinion. The book definitely looks much better than then it originally did. Well done!
Thanks! And I agree. It's part of the "game" and you can't always come out on top. Overall, this one presented a lot better after the work I put into it, and when you get into higher value books (as you probably know) this can impact the resale value. Things like centering and even the position in the case become important. With this one I lucked out in getting it on an upswing in value. So I still came out ahead, but it is definitely worth it to show the risk of it staying the same or even dropping in grade. Hope we have a bigger "win" for the next one!
thanks for sharing! I would never have the cajones to do this myself. But really enjoyed watching the process. 🍿🍿🍿
It took a lot to work up to this one! To date, it is still the most valuable book I have worked on!
Great Job brother! You already know my story...
Thanks! Appreciate the compliment!
Great job and congrats on the 4.0 Journey into Mystery.
Yes, I would definitely be interested in a premium cleaning kit. In addition, learning how to press a modern vs silver age would be informative.
Thanks, it was fun.
Looking forward to seeing the returned grades of your previous crack and presses from earlier this year!
That video is in the making! I am just waiting on thee WWBN 32 to come back from signing and grading!
Just subscribed to your channel. I really enjoy how much effort you put in restoring these classic comics.✋👍
Very informative and Interesting. I've never seen the process til now.
Inspiring despite the lack of grade change. You've got me working through my Silver Age Hulk where I've even managed to remove some grease pencil dates from covers with pretty good results. Thanks for this content. Much appreciated.
Awesome! It can be so rewarding to improve the condition of your collection.
Thanks for sharing the complete process.
So great that you included the CGC grading not like someone we all know on youtube that doesn't do that.
Man loved your video. I clean and press my books almost exactly like you do. I even have the same presser. I use two steel plates top and bottom. Don’t have to flip it over if you use two plates. I got lucky with presser also bought used
Same here! I picked mine up from a photographer that was moving out of town and didn't want to deal with it! I love this press. And I learned from KaptainMykes CPR handbook. It's such a great resource and tried and true methods.
Very informative video. Honestly though, a 4.0 represents such an accumulation of defects in the first place, that I'd have been surprised if you were able to eke out a higher grade. But for me, the reholder with the new label would be worth the effort and expense. And you are right that the book presents better now, which if you decide to sell, may result in a higher sale price anyway.
Yes, I was able to get a higher resale value for the book, but mostly due to the market increase. What was appealing to me about this book was how dirty it was. The notes stated heavy bends and soiling to the cover, which I knew I could improve. Plus, the staples and cover were intact, which is usually the grade killer for a book in this range. So I thought I had a chance! Either way, it was fun to work on and very cool to actually read the book. Overall, it was a calculated risk and thankfully I still ended up on top.
I managed to score some free dental picks from my hygienist the last time I went to the dentist. They work great for removing debris (tip: I use my camera phone to zoom in on the debris so I can take extra care when picking at the comic)
Great video! Have you ever pressed a ASM 238? Wondering if I should modify the pressing technique of the SRP and card stock on the back cover due to the Tattooz?
I haven't done a Tattooz, but I believe people sandwich them in card stock like you would a digital insert. It wouldn't hurt to add SRP too. I have done that for Mark Jeweler inserts so that the adhesive does not stick to the inside page.
Can you please let me know the equipment you used for the 🧽 g, subscribed and brilliant work, thx
Als the paper
Seriously please do more. I can watch this for hours. Very relaxing and extremely helpful. Learned alot!
I do have a question about your absorbing pad. Mine has what seems like a "seam" down the middle from the manufacturing of it. Are you cautious not to rub that "seam" on the books? Or does it not matter?
There are two sizes that are sold... one for "soot removal" and another for dirt. The soot one (the one you have) is twice as thick and has the seem. I get the larger ones and then use a giant bread knife (it sounds crazy) to cut it in half along the seem. I then cut 1.5" pieces, and that is what I use for cleaning. So essentially the pieces don't have the seem.
@@epicomicologycomics excellent so it sounds like we get the same one! I essentially have been doing the same thing but with scissors. Thank you so much brother! 🙌🏼
@@epicomicologycomics do you remove the seam all together?
You need to get a more aggressive approach with peroxide and light to get that bump up
Great video may I make a suggestion and invest in a microphone you will get a more consistent audio when you are speaking. Great video looking forward to more videos
I have a Rhode external mic that still doesn't work very well. I will keep trying to improve the audio though! One issue is that a lot of times I film after the kids go to bed and that results in me talking more softly.
Curious if youve ever used hydrogen peroxide and UV light to reverse tanning and foxing. Some videos shows it works wonders but im curious about it being flagged as restoration when sent to CGC?
I plan to make a video on this. I have played with it enough to feel confident in the technique. I don't think I would use it anywhere there is text though as you would likely bleach the ink.
can you provide a list of everything you use?
Temperature and duration of press would be a nice note on here.
Where are you located I would like to send you my books for cleanings, if you are offering services ?
Unfortunately I am not accepting books at this point.
Thank you anyways!
The staining on the back middle is easily removed or faded by 95%.
I think it is actually tanning. I don't know any methods to lighten, but would be interested in learning!
40% peroxide, distilled water and UV light, checkout my video on the Technic. The Comic Book Underground, LLC
that really hurts to get the same grade. you could see the vast improvement of the book and to get the same grade... it fn horrible
Yeah, it's just all part of the game though. I've won big plenty of times and luckily broke even the rest. Either way, the book was hugely visually improved. That counts for something in the resale market.
upcoming Loki Disney series ?? mann this video must be old....
Yeah, I waited to get this book back from CGC to make the video and then life got in the way of finishing it. Just pretend it was Loki Season 2 lol
2:06:35 🤣🤣🤣