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RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

overmars — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:07:05 GMT

Ah, that sounds reasonable, many thanks for the info!

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

The Joker — Mon, 26 May 2008 06:43:43 GMT

If they are the same grade, then one will come back with a qualified label as it has a signature on it that was not part of the original production process. It they are both 9.2 then you will have one "Universal (blue)" 9.2 and one "Qualified (green)" 9.2.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

overmars — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:02:44 GMT

Hi all. One thing I was wondering about with signatures was not so much in terms of if it effects value directly, but if it effects grading. If I have two books of the same quality, one signed and one unsigned, would CGC grade them the same, or does the signature constitute "damage" so it would get a lower grading?

(not talking about Signature Series, just general CGC)

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

aharmona — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:38:51 GMT

All really good thoughts. Most of them being opposite of my initial thoughts.

I have the full run of [i]Crisis on Infinite Earths[/i] and finally got them all signed by George Perez nearly 20 years to the month of their publication. It was George's last appearance (hopefully not permanent) at the Pittsburgh Con so I felt great sense of pride getting such a run signed.

So it's a bit of a conflict to know the books aren't more valuable but I'm very happy to have them signed for personal reasons.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

DeadOne — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:04:25 GMT

I probably have a slightly different take. If it was a book that I loved (or liked a lot) I think it would be great to get it signed by the person or persons who helped bring that quality to it...but only if I was the one who actually got it signed. I think buying one pre-signed (and not CGC SS on top of that) probably wouldn't mean much to me.

I say, if you like the book and having the signature enhances that for you in some way, then go for it. But if your doing it to raise the monetary value, don't bother.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

Havok — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:28:11 GMT

[quote][b]generalgrog (4/18/2008)[/b][hr]I hate autographs, and am a purist when it comes to the appearance of comic book covers and condition, so if I had the choice of buying the same grade of book with or without the sig I would definately go with the non sigged book. In fact unless I really really wanted the book like say a Captain America Comics #1 or Incredible Hulk 181 etc..etc, I would never even buy one.

"An autograph is a memento of an insignificant encounter with a person you don't know"..Bob Costas (paraphrased)

GG[/quote]

Personally I prefer resketches (remarked) to signitures, but either way I always double up my books when I buy a remarked book... meaning for instance... I have a dynamic forces edition of Uncanny X-men 381 with a head sketch and signiture on the cover... but I also have the same book without the signiture and sketch just to ensure I have a "clean" run as well as the copy thats been marked on. I have several versions like this... Wizard ace edition of hulk 181 with 2 head sketches/signitures, 2 copies of x-men #1 with 2 different head sketches, Uncanny 381 with a head sketch, and a couple of other books. I posted pics a few years ago, if/when I get a new scanner I'll post them up again maybe one day if people are interested. At one point in time CPG actually tracked dynamic forces remarked edition books, and I used their list to track down alot of the ones I have. I have a copy of that old list on my computer, and on occasion I still look for some of the books I'm missing. Either way, it really comes down to what you value and enjoy more, but me personally, I'll always prefer the unmarked book over a standard signed edition.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

kps01 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:53:31 GMT

I've never had a signature hurt the value of a comic. Sometimes it helps. At convention, you have a perfect opportunity to have it signed and Signature Series certified onsite which definitely raises the value.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

imatonkatoo — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:18:37 GMT

I like sigs. IMO it makes the book more poignant. Imagine a dark tower signed by King? That would be my ultimate book.

Another thing is when the signatory dies would push the price up wouldn't it? Someone big anyhow.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

head-rush — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:57:58 GMT

I find that signatures degrade/defaces the book and lowers the value. As other said if its for you to keep and it makes you happy go for it. If to have for resale of said book I wouldn't have it signed.
Some consider a book that is signed and has a certificate of authenticity as equal in value of one without. Although I think most here would say it is less in value with or without a certificate of authenticity if signed.
There are some books signed and certified by a company (cgc) and then graded, at times does fetch an equal or slightly lesser value of a book without a signature of same book in a graded state. It's finding the right buyer who wants what you have.
I have many signed books that are worthless or value is still just cover price but I like them since I like the artist and hold some personal value but not monetary value.
If you look at dynamic forces books of old that are signed you can get them a dime a dozen in most cases online at auction sites or in $1 bins at local comic stores. Only a few can you find that have held the value at which they were bought or a very slight few that have gone up in value.

It all comes down to ones own preference. I like the idea of have doubles of issues to get signed. One for the signature and one thats not signed. There are a few here that know much more than I do about this on the boards...Maybe they will chime in and help out.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

StarWarsEd — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:41:19 GMT

If I get a book signed it is a duplicate copy of the book. I like having autographs but I do consider a sig to be damage to the book. So I get my dupes signed for me and keep nicer copies unsigned.

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

generalgrog — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:52:07 GMT

I hate autographs, and am a purist when it comes to the appearance of comic book covers and condition, so if I had the choice of buying the same grade of book with or without the sig I would definately go with the non sigged book. In fact unless I really really wanted the book like say a Captain America Comics #1 or Incredible Hulk 181 etc..etc, I would never even buy one.

"An autograph is a memento of an insignificant encounter with a person you don't know"..Bob Costas (paraphrased)

RE: Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

Set 0ne — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:19:15 GMT

Some people like signatures and other people don't..it's more of a personal preference....But in general if YOU like having signatures on your comics and it's for YOUR collection then sure it's good will make you happy and all...Though have the signature signed on the INSIDE of the comic rather than on the cover itself....I think it's a better option if you go to resell it (so I read elsewhere).

I don't really think signatures do that much "damage" but you will certainly put off certain collectors...Though again if it's just for you and your personal collection it shouldn't matter.

Can a signature on a comic actually hurt its value?

aharmona — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:54:59 GMT

I was thinking of getting my Incredible Hulk #331 signed by inker Kim Demulder at the Pittsburgh Comicon coming up in late April. Now, I know next to nothing about inkers, but generally speaking, can a signature from someone who worked on the comic actually HURT that comic's value? Perhaps due to not being in the mainstream, high-demand, etc.

I once read somewhere that it could so I thought I would open it for discussion.

Andrew