To autograph or not to autograph?
 

I've recently acquired a second copy of a very rare TMNT comic book. I'm thinking of selling/getting rid of one copy. My original copy is autographed by Eastman and Laird on the inside front cover, while this one is not.

So my question is...when it comes to ultra-rare, expensive comic books, some collectors believe an autograph detracts from the value, while others don't.
Personally, I prefer to not have them on really expensive comics.

I know when I sold my Albedo #2 on ebay, I got alot of messages saying they wish it wasn't signed on the cover.

Any opinions?

What book?

I'm not an autograph person, personally. Any comic I get autographed is generally a duplicate copy. There are a few exceptions, usually because I acquired the book already signed. My #2, 2nd print I bought signed, but it's on the inside cover and really doesn't bother me.

What issue is it?

Also, just wondering, does anyone still read their comics even if they are signed? Now that I have the issue in a graphic novel I don't, but before I do recall reading it.

This is the TMNT #3 "laird's photo in white" cover variant.

I used to be big into autographs, and I used to go to cons with tons of comics to get autographed. Now I go and don't even get any, and mainly go for the comics and just meet and talk to creators.
I just passed up a tmnt #1 on ebay because it was autographed on the cover (that and the fact that it was $500).

And Mr. Mutant Man: Yeah, I still read my comics whether they are autographed, or if I paid alot for it or whatever. The exception would be TMNT #1 since I've already read it many times.

Good score. ^_^

Did you get the one signed in person? If you did, I'd keep that one. With the sigs on the inside front cover, you're going to get a good price with whichever one you decide to sell. Good luck!

I would still read a book if it was autographed, but as I mentioned it really wouldn't apply since I have duplicates of pretty much all of them in some form or another.

Actually the book was already signed when I got it. I was led to believe that most of these are signed, since they were sold at a con by E&L.

Yeah, I really think cover sigs detract while inside cover sigs don't.

That would make sense, but mine isn't signed either. Hmmm.

For me, it really doesn't matter either way if its signed. While it's a "cleaner" look if you get it on the inside cover, I still think its kinda neat to see it on the outside cover.

Generally speaking though, as a collector of other comics as well, autos on the outside usually detract some value (unless its one of those CGC books with the Signature Series gold label on it. Then it can actually be worth MORE, as the signature was authenticated), as most comic collectors seem to want their covers unmarred.

I don't need a seal to tell me if a signature is authentic. :P

MAYBE if it's a dead guy.

The comics are just rolled off a printer and sent to comic shops. Having the creators involved actually taking pen to paper and autographing your comic actually adds a personal/human touch, I think.

I don't mind at all.

IF it's acquired in person, by you.

Anyone can buy an autograph, but it actually means something when you get it yourself. IMO at least.

It totally means a great deal more if you get it signed yourself, absolutely. But still, the simple fact that a creator(s) brought their hand to it, signed their name or what-have-you still gives X comic a personal/human touch that it wouldn't have had it just rolled off the printer to go to Diamond.

Though would I buy, for example, a comic that says "To James! My best - Kevin Eastman"... no, probably not.

Oh I know. Especially if its a signature that you a very familiar with. But if someone else came along who didn't know, and wanted to make SURE that they were getting the real deal, then the Signature Series is actually not a bad idea IMO. I mean, if I wanted a Spidey book with Stan Lee's sig on it, that is not a very hard thing to find, as he signs just about everything (though his Signature Series do command a premium). But someone a bit more obscure, it might be a bit harder to authenticate.

Ok, I've made the possibly crazy decision to put this comic book (TMNT #3 variant) on Ebay for only 99 cents with no reserve. Someone may be able to get it for dirt cheap. I'm selling the one that's been in my collection for a few years, which is autographed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE:IT&ih=015

Ok...I guess that answers that question. I don't think the autographs had a big impact
on how much this went for...I doubt it would sell for more without them.

Awesome! Congrats on the sale! I do think think about $500 is average for this book.

Wow, that's awesome Pliggins. Congrats on a great sell.

(Man, my post almost reads like Rose's...:P)

Yep, thats the range I've been seeing them go for. Congrats!

Thanks guys..I actually was surprised because I've never seen them go this high... I was expecting 300 something.. anyways I see with big sales, ebay and paypal both take pretty big cuts..but oh well...I remember when paypal was free.

Anyway, to stay on topic..did anyone see there are two separate collected book volume 1 softcovers on Ebay now? One is autographed on the cover and the other is not autographed at all. I'm watching them to see what happens.

Well, now you can feel really good about the book you sold. This graded copy went for only $280, and it's also signed!