I think the real gate keepers are the CGC fanatics who insult you using anything but CGC. God forbid you use CBCS or PGX. I personally use PGX because like you I find grading fun and PGX is in my budget.
@@MintHunterComics I agree, but I don't think that will be for long because of CGC now doing verified signatures. CBCS will have to lower to compete IMO.
The problem has nothing to do with "CGC fanatics." All three companies are now, sadly, corrupt. PGX has been involved in fraudulent activity...documented. So has CBCS. So has CGC. The reason CGC has the reputation it does is because A. it was first, and B. for the most part, they did what they were supposed to do. That all changed when Matt Nelson became president, and got even worse when Blackstone bought their parent company, CCG. But CBCS' signature program is outright fraud, and Borock staffed the company with his incompetent, childish friends, rather than professional, competent people. And PGX' Daniel Patterson quite literally slabs comics in his garage, was involved in the trimming scandal of the 2000s, has been credibly accused of "comic swapping", colluding with local eBay dealers to fence doctored books, and PGX grading leaves much to be desired. But if you are AWARE of all of this, and you want to use PGX...then simply ignore the people who give you a hard time. Just be aware and knowledgeable. By the book, not the label, and accept the risk, and you'll be fine.
It's the same with everything these days. Whether it is about movies, console games, toys, TV shows, and mainstream media. Negative, insulting, controversial, hate, etc., are in the forefront. Broadcast news has known that more people tune in for bad news than they do for good. People slow down to look at car accidents. Why? There is nothing good in seeing the aftermath, and yet, people are magnetically drawn to observe. I don't watch TV or internet news anymore. It's just too soul crushing, and most of the content adds no value to my life. I'd just rather watch pet cat and dog videos. At least they make me happy.
I am so glad I was able to leave the rabbit hole of collecting graded comics. Too much negativity, too much controversy. I lost confidence on the grading companies and the amazing stories I love just became a commodity. I realized one day that my comic book collecting mentality was no different than my day-to-day job as an investment banker and that is not a good realization for something you consider a hobby. I just sold it all. With the money I took my wife to a fancy dinner, went to IKEA and bought a basic shelf and bought some Omnis of the stories I really hold dear to my heart. In the end, the cool thing about the hobby is collecting the way you want and no one has the right to tell you if it's right or wrong. I just realized I collect Stories and Art, not plastic cases and grading numbers. I enjoy reading the stories and be able to read them with my kids in the future. I know I will miss the thrill of the hunt in dollar bins but I think I will be ok. My advice is: Really it sounds cliché but it is your money and your collection! collect anyway you want. Don't let anyone get under your skin with negativity, it happened to me and that made me quit (And you have no idea all the negativity I got about wanting to collect Omnibus... some people just hate everything). This form of art is so unique and beautiful that you can like some much things about it: The art, the stories, te covers). Yes, there have been some bad things happening and, as a community we (I still consider myself part of it) need to protect it and hold every actor to the highest standard, being grading companies, youtubers, pricing websites and so on. Cheers for bringing some light to the Hobby. Now that it is really needed.
One of the reasons why I watch and favor your channel more so than others is because you are so positive. You entertain while providing information that collectors can actually use. Keep up the great work, James.
Thanks for saying it. Unfortunately, I recently had to unsubscribe from another comic book RUclips channel, because the negativity was becoming more and more pronounced. Keep up the good work!
Hey James, I do think there is a lot of negativity, but a lot of it is directed to CGC and people who speculate on books. I think it's an important distinction, grading is a part of the comic hobby, but not all of it. People who grade and people who don't both love the art and stories, they just have different reasons and preferences. Is there toxicity regarding the entire hobby, or just a part of it?
It's always been this way i remember back in the day being lost in LCS no one would give helpful advice about story start points and the older dudes crowding the counter would judge your choices and knowledge
Great video as always! I disagree on the thoughts on CGC, they have done so many more trash things in the last 5 years. Did the whole "scandal" get blown up too much? Absolutely, but to absolve them as just having a hiccup is disingenuous. The 9.9 situation is so weird, like why did they even start doing this?
That sucks. I have had good luck taking my fiancee to local shops. Usually the owners are happy to see someone getting into comics. Hopefully your daughter can find some things she likes and some friends that enjoy it too!
I forget who said it back in the early '90s, but this person said that casual readers shouldn't go to a comic shop for the same reason that casual drinkers shouldn't go to a corner dive bar. Because that's where you'll run afoul of all the hardcore drunks.
The same people who crap on your books in the comments will send you a low ball offer . If you don’t take they start accusing you of trying to rip them off and will report you .
I think people have it confused I see nothing but positivity from the hobby. The only time I see negativity is when talking about selling and buying or complaining about CGC cuz its talking about money. I love when people talk about the story or history of the books they collect. lastly, question was "that" Spiderman power pack one shot ever claimed as noncanal
I got into the hobby by digging through dollar bins to my hearts content, sucks to think where I'd be if someone was always telling me I was collecting "wrong"
I’m all about the positivity in everything I do, not just comic collecting. I’m back in the hobby after decades of being out of it and I just find fun and joy in reliving old memories from childhood and seeing the new great art and stories being told. This is a very personal hobby, not a team sport. It really doesn’t matter to me what others think about topic X. I am always interested in hearing other people’s thoughts and opinions (and Minthunter is one of the best). I am able to make my own choices and decisions about how and what I want to collect and whether or not I’m sending something off to get graded. Thanks for another great vid!
Folks who are scared off by negative You Tube videos are missing the point: do you love comic books as an art form or not? There are so many positive aspects to concentrate on, something I see more and more with each succeeding year in the hobby.
I have a fairly new rule for myself, don't post online unless it's in support of something. I still catch myself posting disagreeing comments all the time. I mostly go right back and delete them. Not sure why it's such a hard rule for me to switch to, but I'm trying!
James it’s even a little deeper. I’ve heard influencers talk getting physical with people and was horrified to see the chat comments egging this behavior on. Our nation is still traumatized by the not so distant outburst of political violence, and I think people new to the hobby just see too many similarities. The bright spot is people like you who make intelligent, thoughtful and useful content that reminds us of the best in this hobby.
I don't really put myself out there in this way but I know those that DO get really opinionated about stuff and they get threatened! I have a buddy who got a death threat and had to get police involved
Thank you for creating FMV content about our fantastic hobby! It's nice to see a GEM MINT video taking this serious topic head on - far too many lower bumped hobbyists out there thinking they're 0.5 comments won't affect the overall condition of the hobby. >> yes I'm using hobby-speak to get my point across
I get it. My only issue,and I indeed have a neck beard...is the people that literally only see dollar signs. NOTHING WRONG with selling books, don't get me wrong...the lack of knowledge outside of key collector and inability to grade or actually tell you why something is actually important,will completely keep my wallet in my pocket, even if I see incredible deals. Now I'm not talking flea market and antique booth sellers, I mean people that just have books,have no real idea what they're doing and go so far as to buy things show em online, know the 2 major keys then ask everyone "if they missed anything". Kinda insulting. Like you, my good man, I've spent years and years not only loving the medium,but learning and expanding my short sighted view of certain types of books. I happily welcome ALL who actually like comics for whatever reason and am HAPPY to help expand a growing collection and help people find the hobby with the hobby. I'm not going to bat an eye at a greedy flipper that's making it tougher for me and you to get needed books....and I'm definitely not going to go to anyone's comments simply out of spite to discourage someone. Not my place...all I can really do is NOT do business with them myself. Hope you' and yours doing well James! Looking forward to the next vid!!!
There's a difference between toxic negativity and positive criticism. Gatekeeping in comics is lousy all around. The hobby has collectors, and it has readers, and a lot of us are mixed of both. We should encourage newcomers for whatever reasons they have for wanting to get into the hobby, and we should have open communication about all of it. Old-fashioned water cooler discussions, you know?
I'm a fan of your content and I am not necessarily crapping on you for how you make living, but you are one of those neck beards. Hear me out .. I don't think you're necessarily gatekeeping, but if we are gauging casual versus hardcore... Someone that judges the condition on every single book strictly from a dollar standpoint and not the hobby standpoint (whether something is a good story) ... To me is the definition of gatekeeping when it comes to comic collecting. You have in many videos snubbed your nose up at comics specifically because they are not 9.8 candidates. When a casual fan says something like you described, this is the sort of actions they are speaking of imo I don't collect comics myself but do collect video games and it's very similar in that hobby with everyone doing the wata sealed game thing all being jerks about condition and what games are worth, (Rather than how they play). It's part and parcel with collecting nowadays. There was also a weird thing where if you don't collect the same way as other people, everyone will s*** all over you for it. For instance, I love translated games and homebrews, and there is a very vocal group out there who s*** on all of that stuff and will quickly jump on the bootleg bandwagon saying anyone that collects it and is into it are evil. The only way a hobby grows is if new people are encouraged to join it. That does not happen if the barrier for entry is constantly thrown in someone's face.
Every time I read a modern comic and think WOW that was awesome!!!!!! The internet especially is right there to remind me of how bad it actually is and how nobody should be enjoying it. Plus I love not being able to get a book I want because it's the new hotness, and some people think it will lead them to early retirement if they pick up every single copy they can. I still love the hobby, just frustrating more often then not.
I love comics and will never stop collecting but this video is very timely with all the videos that I see about CGC being a scam. Keep up the great content and I truly believe the universe gives you back what you put into it. Take care friend :)
In my opinion its a bunch of " Nannee Nannee Boo Boo, My collection is better than You." There are Always people with a bigger/ better collection. Crown jewels in My collection are an .05 Strange Tales 110, a restored ASM #14, a PGX 1.5 graded Daredevil #1. I love my Hulk 181 7.5, I love my 8.5 Tomb of Dracula #1 as much as I love my raw Tower of Shadows #1, my raw Ringo Kid #1. Raw, graded, grading company used or grade received does nothing to diminish my love and pride in my collection. Collect what You love, whatever that may be and this hobby will live up to its intended purpose. Thanks for the video, a solid reminder for many that need to hear it. Fingers crossed the Britney drag in the near future!
I saw the first appearance of Marrow on your ebay and almost bought it, but needed to hold off because I recently started collecting cgc graded comics (I bought my ninth on ebay today). I think, like everything, all things can become toxic. From what I seen, the comic community that actually reads comics and collects for fun/passion, those people are the nicest people on earth. I kinda feel like the fans of just the comic movies can be a little more toxic and maybe that scares some people away from comic books.
The internet is a toxic climate. It’s not comics or movies or books or games or whatever. And some dudes are just obnoxious, but it’s across things - there’s a certain kind of guy who thinks opinion is the same as fact. But I find that for all the toxic people, the internet also increases community. I feel more comfortable now as a woman because I’ve been able to find my people.
it's not just the hobby of comic book collecting being affected by the toxic groupies, it's everything to do with collecting of any franchise, oh you like x-men, your part of the woke, oh you like star wars by disney, you are either part of the woke or a disney shill. i get so sick of those people that are on social media, i just begin putting them on a block list. out of sight, out of mind. i tire of those types always thinking to ruin something someone else loves or likes all so, they can keep their viewers or followers with their toxic behaviors all so, they can act like big shot know it alls who think they know everything when half of them if not more don't know jack sqaut, they don't know how things work in the business industries like film, tv or comics for that matter. oh i went to college and got this degree in this, good for you, it doesn't make you an expert in nothing but, being a definitive little cry baby. you want to know how things work in those types of things like movies, tv or comics then, go talk to the real experts. not some flaming dope who thinks cause they have their grand opinions makes them an actual expert on everything. there, nuff said!
I totally agree! Unfortunately it’s honestly like that with pretty much everything these days. Especially when it comes to social media. People are always so quick to be negative and start an argument in the comments. Like you said it’s very toxic and that really takes a toll on your mental over time. It’s weird that we tend to be so drawn to negativity as a society. Hopefully one day we can change that.
Thank you for saying out loud what a lot of people are thinking. I frequently comment to my wife that it feels like people with these comic book channels really don't like comic collectors. I personally love reading comics, love staring at my collection of raw comics, love staring at my graded comics, love cleaning and pressing comics, and love submitting comics.There's a lot to love in this hobby! Thanks for the positve move for the community!
Calling people neckbeards is negative too though. But yeah, collect what you want. Slab what you want. I don't know why anyone would care about what someone else says or does. It's supposed to be fun
Preach it! The comic book collecting community needs more positive messages like this. It's easy to jump on the dump train and be critical, and sometimes that criticism is warranted, but it feels like the need for outrage is just too much. Enjoy your comic books collectors!
I’ve been reading RUclips comments saying the X-men have gone “woke,” which blew my mind, like, you mean the same X-men which has always been about inclusion and diversity…you don’t say 🤔…the toxicity is definitely a thing
The team literally got their name from Malcom X😂😂😂 They are the O.G.'s of quote un-quote "woke" 😂 The show has been a home run every single episode thus far.
It really is sad. As someone who recently just got back into the hobby in the past few years. I recall going to shops and talking about stories with others, and now it's all about the drama. When i say I really dont care about the drama, I get completely dog pilied. So now I avoid the shops and buy online. It's terrible that we live during a time when drama is more important than the hobby. So, I will keep collecting my way and ignoring all the doom and gloomers. I say collect your way. If you like them raw, then read the stories, and we can talk about them. If you like graded, then grade, and we can talk about that too.
It’s sad that people will gatekeep anyone from this hobby. This hobby is an escape from the real world at times and has always been so accepting of many. To gatekeep or keep anyone from being able to experience that acceptance is just sad.
The problem is that this hobby is predicated on an economic transaction. Everything is monetized which corrupts. This is different than other hobbies. Although all communities have a level of disagreement or toxicity, many are not driven by profit. For example, I love craft beer. The community rules because we share and trade beer. Sure there is tension between IPA and sour snobs, but because no one is losing money, no one gets that angry.
Interesting topic, I completely agree and I'm hoping we can learn to be better. I love what Liefeld said yesterday about Ed Piskors untimely death, we need to be better at giving grace, and not judgement. Grace and forgiveness everyone makes mistakes.
Negativity feeds the algorithm. Social media plays to the depravity of man. It takes intentionality to steer clear of that fold. But it’s worth it. Life is better without bathing in “what I don’t like.” 🤷🏻♂️
I have had a comic shop owner look down at this nose at me for a graded comic and comment "I like to read comics" I told him good and I never shopped there again. You have to buck up get some thick skin and don't let the turds in the hobby run you off. This is just a microcosm for life. There are neckbeard asshats everywhere. Keep in mind there are great folks out there, be positive and look for those people. You will find them!
We need to get some young blood in the hobby. It was magical for me in my teens to go to comic shops and shows. Nowadays I rarely see anyone young interested. Gatekeeping is the worst for young kids to see. I cannot stand when someone shows a slab off that they are proud of only to be shot down by comments on people who say it shouldn't have been slabbed or is too low of a grade.
With as popular as the MCU has been in the 21st Century, you'd think there would be an influx of new comics fans discovering the hobby just like their was in the '80s with the Tim Burton Batman film and the '90s with Batman: TAS and X-Men '97, and even the '70s with the Super Friends and Spider Friends. For whatever reason, that crossover audience isn't there despite the humongous popularity of those films. In my experience, the best way to create new young readers is to nurture the kids who like drawing. I think it's safe to say that most of us who were drawn to the hobby shared the fantasy of one day making our own comics, and even if a kid who likes the new Spider-Man movies doesn't have a desire to read a Spidey comic book, I'll bet you they're probably drawing Spider-Man in a notebook. Whenever I have a friend with kids who like drawing, I throw them a few all-ages comics or let them borrow my copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, which is still one of the best drawing books ever published. With any luck, that desire to create will boil over into a love for the content.
Thanks for raising this because this whole thing that negative comments and videos get the most hits, indicates there is something completely upside down with how people engage with content. Great topic
I've experienced the negativity in person often enough with people learning that i collect Superman. The philosophy promoted here ,collect what you love is one of the reasons i became a member. I don't know why my collection has upset people. I really need dont care anymore. But just if anyone is wondering, i have other stuff too.
Us DC fans get flack in general because it isnt elite marvel lol. My wifes doing superman and any time she asks about it she gets weird looks. Collect that superman Robert!
As a collector of both Diecast and Comics. I can say that the comic community is more toxic because of how many people sware that you have to collect certain titles just because of the value. Or how you have to have slab your books to be a collector. It's sad to see how much toxicity the community has.
The comic community which Ed loved turned on him. I say that`s pretty toxic, as an older gent I can`t believe how toxic the comic book culture has become. That`s why I stick to my two old men's sports Golf and baseball, so far that toxic culture finds my two sports boring. Good, let`s keep it that way. Let that culture have comics, football, basketball, and music. Peace Out. Good video. Just subscribed.
I will say as a young collector (21) I see a lot of negativity, especially within the online zones like instagram, youtube, reddit, and it's really hard to find positive posts! I will say I enjoy the most with going to cons and my local shops, but I'll also say some shop owners or workers tend to have lost the actual passion for the hobby from the conversations I've had with them. Every time I bring up actual comics and the contents of it it somehow gets to a long winded negative speech on some part or parts of the comic. This doesn't change my opinion for the comics but I do get disheartened sometimes to actually talk with new people about comics.
I just started collecting. I am of an age I had "old" comics from the 60s and early 70s from when I was a kid. I am discovering all the titles I missed (both from back then and the 80s, 90s from when I wasn't reading/collecting). So many cool covers and stories. This is an art form, pieces of history, true collectibles. Enjoy it, or don't. Grading companies now play an important role, providing a quasi-subjective but reasonable assessment of the condition of a book. Yes, it is a little expensive to grade/slab a book, but nobody is forcing you to do it. If you love the book, have the extra money, and want to preserve it in a slab, go for it. If you are slabbing to try and flip the book for profit then do your research. Ignore the neckbeards and be happy.
I bought Avengers #4 and put up a video about it on my channel yesterday. 36 views so far. If I had of put in a negative title though, who knows how many views it’d get.
"You can't even defend CGC right now without getting a dog pile on you..." "You can't even defend CGC right now... *remainder redacted*" Fixed that for you lol
I don't have a problem necessarily with people grading and slabbing comics, I just think that it kind of misses the point of the hobby to read and enjoy these wonderful stories
They are only collectors and looking at investment not enjoyment of the hobby. I do both, but more of a reader and lover of the medium. Although I've only slabbed one book so far. Do what you want, just get comics!!
For me, the hobby is personal and I only engage in openly discussing it with friends. As a kid collecting in the '80s and '90s, it was grand fun with friends, and it still is! I think the problem today is not the toxicity of the community, rather the toxicity of social media. So, I avoid social media for that very reason. I may be wrong, but that's my experience.
You’ve long had the best take on comics. This needed to be said. I get tired of the FOMO stuff. Like dude I’ve bought some FOMO books and I don’t regret jt. Let people enjoy the hobby responsibly. And comics will always be speculation just like everything cause nobody knows the future. Enjoy the present!
I came back to the hobby about 3 maybe 4 years ago now. I watched and consumed a LOT of RUclips content on comics including this very channel. There were a few “scandals” during that time that some channels really built their audience off of. For example I watched this one creator do at least three 2 &1/2hr - 3hr shows on acetate gate. I can’t believe I actually remember this. This had three scandals in one. There was the acetate cover that went over the UF4 cover showing Miles Morales holding the folded flag but it wasn’t drawn incorrectly so some thought it was disrespectful. There was the fact that initially CGC graded this non Marvel sanctioned acetate cover that I believe had additional staples added to the comic in order for the added cover to be fixed to the comic. CGC graded these comics with the universal blue label and gave out many 9.8s and quite a few grades of 9.9s and 10s. And the juiciest part of this scandal was Clayton Crane taking the wife of the guy who hired him to create the art for the UF4 acetate cover. I think it was the Black Flag comics owner? I could easily probably name four or five more controversies. But things like that and the negativity was just too much for me. It was bringing me down but it was giving RUclips comic content creators the negative fuel that makes them go. That gives them the the very thing that gives them the views and the likes. I’ve unfollowed quite a few of those creators. I think the biggest problem for me is the echo chamber on these shows with their buddies on the show with them and the viewers on the live chat and it’s crazy to watch almost everyone sharing the same opinions. No one pushing back. When push back happens it’s a rare occurrence. Just entertain me, give me info, show me some cool covers I’ve never seen before and tell me some of the best stories written in comics. If I’m interested I’ll seek out those floppies or get it in a TPB or Omnibus. Where I do disagree with you is the CGC slight “hate” of late. In my opinion it’s earned and overdue. I’m not a slabber but I have purchased CBCS and CGC slabs. So I’m not against it. But in my opinion and I’ve said this for years but the collector and the dealers have made CGC too big to fail. I’ve watched you creators do multiple videos doing grade reveals. Giving CGC free advertising. So now for the collector if it’s not CGC it’s less than. Collectors in many cases are not purchasing the book in the slab they are purchasing the CGC label and the CGC reputation that in my opinion has been sullied many times over. Now I fully understand the dealers. They are a slave to the consumer. The consumer pays a premium for CGC graded books but for some reason aren’t willing to pay for a premium for a CBCS graded book although CBCS has the reputation for being a tougher honest grader. Wouldn’t a slabbed book from CBCS be seen as a more worthy investment than CGC? Ok I’m going to stop here. Negativity like sex sells. FOX learned that quite a while ago and it continues to be the true unfortunately. YOU amazingly have given your viewers GREAT content for a long time. I look forward to what you put out. You have a certain… charisma. I’m not a DC guy. Definitely not a Green Lantern guy but you talk about it in a way that makes it entertaining. I almost considered purchasing a Green Lantern comic #81 (I think) as a cover buy. I personally enjoy longer content but your 8-15 minute shows seem to be your sweet spot. Maybe one day you’ll consider giving us a 30minute show discussing comics instead of CGC unboxing.
What up, James! Sigh, yeah, feels like that “negativity high” is so alluring for some. It is disheartening to hear of so much of this negativity in a community that I hadn’t visited since the gimmick books of the 90s. I must say that “getting back in the comics game” since last year, I have had nothing but positive experiences with my surrounding comic book community. I would hope all collectors have the positive experiences I’ve had in my local comic book community. #HTownRepresent Thanks for making quality videos that are always positive at the core - I respect that. The CGC bumpers were funny af!! 😆👍 Cheers to the next vid!
Anyone that follows my comments is about to have a stroke. As far as the CGC scandal goes...There was not a whole lot they could do about it. Crooks are going to cheat the system. CGC doesn't have cameras in every collector's home to see if they are breaking into slabs and putting them back together with lesser comics. Hopefully this doesn't go on too much. But frankly it's not something they can police easy. You just have to be smart about the slabs you purchase. If something looks like a 2.0 in a 9.8 slab, it's probably fake. Everyone that knows me knows that I don't like slabs. I like my comics raw so I can read them. I feel like slabs was just a way bored collectors tried to feel excited about the hobby again. Now. That being said. Everyone has got a right to collect any way they want to. Just because I don't like it or have a feeling about it, it doesn't mean it's wrong. If slabbing books get people that were kind of bored into the hobby again. Cool! If someone just wants to have a cool display piece of a book they love? Cool! As long as we have people in the hobby and they realize that speculating is like putting money in your 401K...Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. Cool! There are things I would like to see different and I won't lie about it. I feel like too many RUclips channels especially and a lot of people that hit stores picking try to influence people to "BUY KEYS!" Some RUclipsrs that have become big influencers are pushing their own agenda by saying things are hot when they're not and probably never will be. But....There is no Comic Police. You just have to do what you like and go with it. It's your hobby. Enjoy it how you see fit. I'll finish before this becomes a term paper like I usually leave. As toxic as people say the comic community is, it's not the worst. In person, most comic folks can be nice and try to point you in the direction you want to go in. But the VHS market! Oh, my God! If you post a pic of a graded tape, 75% of the people start screaming that it's worthless and why would you grade a tape you can watch! How dare you!? And if you point out any tape and just ask how much the experts would say it's worth, about fifty percent will scream at you that it's worthless, 25% will say you should watch it and not sell or grade it, and another 10% will cry in the comments about how they're so sad because they can't go to the thrift stores and buy tapes for a a quarter any more. Boo-hoo! (Welcome to the comic book market, right?) To all this anti-grading, I have found myself doing something I never thought I would do. Defending graders. It's not hurting anyone. If someone wants to grade a tape or comic, go for it! It's theirs! Do as you wish! It's their CHOICE! If you don't want yours graded, don't get them graded. Or bust open the slab and have it raw. Whatever! But don't hate on someone for doing what makes them happy. Damn, what have I come to?
I've lately been getting back into collecting comics myself and it seems that most videos anymore focus on slabbing key comics. I'm old-school, preferring to be able to actually enjoy the comic ("raw" I suppose). It's almost like the 90's speculation craze has taken the form of buying CGC-graded 9.8 pieces of wall art instead of something peeps can read. To each his/her own, I suppose, right?
You DEFINITELY should have donned the Brittany Spears outfit! If people want to get into the hobby of comics to collect and read, then, okay, you are a true comic book lover and aficionado. If people just want to get into comics to buy raw keys, grade them and flip for a profit, those are not true comic book collectors. James, you deal comics, but you are also a collector. You can do both! All I've ever said is that I'm not the customer for slabs because I want to READ the stories and SEE the art. Yeah, I've stopped watching the negative videos. It was a little fun at first, but then it seems like those people don't like ANYTHING about comics and, at that point, why would you still read them if you hate them so much? Doesn't make sense. Slabs aren't for me, but I don't care if you want slabs in your collection. It's your money. Do with it what you want. Good vid!
Social Media is designed be toxic. It's hard if you don't want to play the game. But collectors can stay with LCS, Conventions, IG, RUclips, etc. BUT collecting has always been antagonistic. Even back in 80s. In a trade or sale: You have 2 people and each one wants to get the better deal.
Comic Book Group on Facebook anybody? Everything from “😂 reaction likes” on new collectors posting a “rare grail” (to them) that really isn’t rare to someone being ridiculed in the comments for posting a book their wife got them signed by Stan Lee that doesn’t look legit… to the downfall of Ed Piskor this internet community is unfortunately toxic af. In person tho? Nah… neckbeards keep their mouths shut
Can't we all just get along? If you like your comics graded, Get them graded. If you like them raw, keep them raw. Let's just enjoy good stories, great art, and great covers. Remember what mama said, " If you ain't got nothin good to say, don't say nothin at all."
I agree "Gatekeepers" of people out right buying new Books by bulk. My LCS does what they can. then people coming in i accept anything when they have. I only buy Raw. i wish you see my LCS in Brooklyn Shoutout to Them. Bringing back what a comic shop is all about. Anyone Comics
I've been in this hobby for 38 years. The gatekeeping neckbeards have always been there. The negative nellies have always been there. I remember being asked to sign a petition to prevent Warner Brothers from going through with Michael Keaton being cast as Batman at my first Chicago ComicCon. The only thing we can control is how we interact with others. That is how we win. We can remain positive despite the things that may be problematic in our eyes and not yuck in someone else's yum. Take me, for example. I hate most things 90's about comics. So much bad came out throughout the 90s that it taints my enjoyment of that entire era. With that said, I won't throw it out there just because someone else happens to love Rob Leifeld (ok, cheap shot I know). If you happen to love that era of comics, I'm happy for you, it's just not for me and I won't try to take away from your enjoyment of it. If you ask my opinion, I'll give it, but I'm not about to go all Simpsons Comic Guy and just but in with my superior attitude and knowledge... "Ak-shulally..." Instead, I'll say, "You do you," and see if we can find any common ground and a more positive topic to discuss. Are there problems that we can discuss? Sure, but rather than raising our torches and pitchforks, we can approach these issues with a little grace in our hearts and a constructive attitude and try to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Comics are fun because of the heros, villains, art, movies, cartoons ect. The negativity comes from the sellers because money is involved. Money corrupts everything . When it comes to CGC, these are self inflicted issues that they are fixing but this new 9.9 Xmen is just creating another issue. The book doesn’t look like a 9.9 and the timing is suspicious. The “subjective excuse doesn’t cut it when we are talking about $100k plus books
I think that the negativity affects some people differently depending on where you’re at in your life comic collecting journey. If you’re in the reading stage, I think you’re open to suggestions, but will ultimately gravitate towards the books you like. When you move towards the rarer books you run into the “I know what I’ve got” people, which is annoying, but not a huge deal… THEN you meet the graders… that’s where it gets ridiculous and unnecessary. Make your money and use the hobby to your advantage, but chill! This is where those annoying sellers turn super Sayan lol
I’m a longtime supporter of yours, James and I think you do make a difference trying to keep a positive outlook on the hobby. If you didn’t I never would have stuck around here so long. But I do have to admit I love your comics history videos the most. And I would love to see more discussion about READING comics and plots and characters and recommendations. I’m not sure newcomers have many places to go to hear about that stuff and reading ideas, not just reviews, but historical context and personal reflections. That’s way more interesting and inspiring than endless grading conversations. And the hobby of collecting comics should include reading them too. I tend to avoid a lot of the negative output online about everything, which is why I quit social media years ago. But YT isn’t all negative and you help make that happen, MintHunter!
Do NOT! get sucked into the abyss! Buy and collect what you want for the reasons you want to, it’s your hard earned money and so it should be your choice. Comics are awesome and should be enjoyed by all! Btw, I would pay for shipping of that prime book to South Africa😉
I grade comics that I like not only for the story, the characters involved, but also have cool covers, and they're not necessarily "high dollar" books. (I do have high worth as well from earlier in my life, but anyway...) Some are books that I love reading and are reminders of periods of my "comic book life." If I want to have them slabbed, and they are only worth $32 or even lower in some instances, then so be it. I can display them in a cool way and get enjoyment from them. It kills me when someone asks, "Why did you bother grading those?" Well, because maybe it was the books I read to my sons when they were young, or it was an issue that had a storyline that "hit home" with me in some way. Nonetheless, I do it for me.... not the worth, not the opinion, or to get "brownie points" with other collectors... just good ol' me. Now, if another collector says, "Dude, I loved that storyline." or "That cover art is bad-ass.", then it gives me something to connect with other collectors about, to have an enjoyable conversation with them, and gives me even more enjoyment all because of a simple comic book. Last time I checked, I'm spending MY money on things I enjoy, so if it matters to me and brings enjoyment in my life, then I'm going to do it. This is why I'm glad I came across some of the claim sales I have participated in the last few years... not only is there a chance to buy cool books that I missed or that got removed from my life and are now back again, but the people involved either in the chat or that are hosting (you and threesixtycomics are my favorite two to date... and I'm not just saying that because it's your channel I'm commenting on... 😁). We talk about comic books, celebrate one another getting "big boy books," and buying each other books for no reason other than, well, because we can, and why not? Or just chatting about complete nonsense as the sale goes along and getting a laugh out of it. The "good community" is still out there, and I'm glad people like yourself are keeping the negative out of it to the best of your ability. (Kicking out the deadbeats and people making drama, for example) Keep doing what you do, James. It's appreciated. I'm glad to be a part of the hobby.
As a pretty new comic fan myself I definitely understand, i’m new and i’m young and I prefer to collect comics more around my era (new 52, rebirth etc.) and basically I just found out that the new 52 which is currently my favorite reading, is highly controversial in the community and whenever I defend the titles Im immediately called a casual or hell even classless lmao. But it’s all just randoms making noises, collect what you want guys you should never feel like your shelf and collection is someone else’s recommendations. It’s YOURS!
Along with comics im also into sneakers, pokemon and sports cards. There will ALWAYS be people who gatekeep and people who are toxic. Don’t let them be the reason why you don’t get into the hobby. The negative comments will always out weigh the good comments but it should still be a hobby for everyone of all ages! Happy collecting!
I agree 100% I like CBCS more, only because they’re owned by Beckett. Which to me is the standard for grading. But if you want to use any other grading company, by all means go ahead. But what you said is true, people come at me and say why would you send your stuff to CBCS, they aren’t the best.
Great Video!!!! I too often post something that's not constructive or positive. Too many of us treat newcomers as invaders who will just jack up the price of books we want for our collections. I'm in my 50's and have to remember to be a mentor to the youngsters who are under 30. I was at a show in Grand Rapids Michigan last year and helped two young ladies with purchasing a book. They both were looking for a book to invest in for under $50. The dealer just kept telling them to a buy a book they like. They were looking to invest and grow value of key books. I explained the hobby to them especially the era of books that are most valuable and have room to grow. They made wise purchases after my help. The books they bought have gone up in value. That's what we all should be doing.
My fellow James. You have hit the nail on the head. I recently returned to collecting after a very long hiatus. I’m interested in the whole grading game because it’s new, sounds fun, and I want to see what some of my older issues would be scored. But sheesh. It’s paralyzing. I don’t know whether or not to do it. Who do I use? Where do I start? How do I get them cleaned and pressed? Do I need to do that (yes I know it’s your gospel). 😂 It’s overwhelming and the negativity fosters my feelings of frustration even if they’re subconsciously affecting me. From one James to another thanks for speaking your truth.
I personally do not care what people think about c g c or c b c s, I enjoy Grading my books. I will continue to do so. Besides the hunt, it's the funnest part of the hobby for me
With any hobby, collect what you enjoy, the way you enjoy it. The rest is just strangers making noise.
100% why would you allow some negative comments to put you off the hobby you love. Seriously question this being true
I think the real gate keepers are the CGC fanatics who insult you using anything but CGC. God forbid you use CBCS or PGX. I personally use PGX because like you I find grading fun and PGX is in my budget.
I'm a team CBCS man through and through! Kind of wild that CBCS is now more expensive haha
@@MintHunterComics I agree, but I don't think that will be for long because of CGC now doing verified signatures. CBCS will have to lower to compete IMO.
The problem has nothing to do with "CGC fanatics." All three companies are now, sadly, corrupt. PGX has been involved in fraudulent activity...documented. So has CBCS. So has CGC.
The reason CGC has the reputation it does is because A. it was first, and B. for the most part, they did what they were supposed to do. That all changed when Matt Nelson became president, and got even worse when Blackstone bought their parent company, CCG.
But CBCS' signature program is outright fraud, and Borock staffed the company with his incompetent, childish friends, rather than professional, competent people.
And PGX' Daniel Patterson quite literally slabs comics in his garage, was involved in the trimming scandal of the 2000s, has been credibly accused of "comic swapping", colluding with local eBay dealers to fence doctored books, and PGX grading leaves much to be desired.
But if you are AWARE of all of this, and you want to use PGX...then simply ignore the people who give you a hard time. Just be aware and knowledgeable. By the book, not the label, and accept the risk, and you'll be fine.
It's the same with everything these days. Whether it is about movies, console games, toys, TV shows, and mainstream media. Negative, insulting, controversial, hate, etc., are in the forefront. Broadcast news has known that more people tune in for bad news than they do for good. People slow down to look at car accidents. Why? There is nothing good in seeing the aftermath, and yet, people are magnetically drawn to observe. I don't watch TV or internet news anymore. It's just too soul crushing, and most of the content adds no value to my life. I'd just rather watch pet cat and dog videos. At least they make me happy.
We’re all vampires and bloodsuckers haha
Yes, and we have people claiming they saw a car wreck when it was just a dead battery stall on the side of the road.
The cgc 9.9 greed flip flop is toxic
I am so glad I was able to leave the rabbit hole of collecting graded comics. Too much negativity, too much controversy. I lost confidence on the grading companies and the amazing stories I love just became a commodity. I realized one day that my comic book collecting mentality was no different than my day-to-day job as an investment banker and that is not a good realization for something you consider a hobby. I just sold it all. With the money I took my wife to a fancy dinner, went to IKEA and bought a basic shelf and bought some Omnis of the stories I really hold dear to my heart.
In the end, the cool thing about the hobby is collecting the way you want and no one has the right to tell you if it's right or wrong. I just realized I collect Stories and Art, not plastic cases and grading numbers. I enjoy reading the stories and be able to read them with my kids in the future. I know I will miss the thrill of the hunt in dollar bins but I think I will be ok.
My advice is: Really it sounds cliché but it is your money and your collection! collect anyway you want. Don't let anyone get under your skin with negativity, it happened to me and that made me quit (And you have no idea all the negativity I got about wanting to collect Omnibus... some people just hate everything). This form of art is so unique and beautiful that you can like some much things about it: The art, the stories, te covers). Yes, there have been some bad things happening and, as a community we (I still consider myself part of it) need to protect it and hold every actor to the highest standard, being grading companies, youtubers, pricing websites and so on.
Cheers for bringing some light to the Hobby. Now that it is really needed.
One of the reasons why I watch and favor your channel more so than others is because you are so positive. You entertain while providing information that collectors can actually use. Keep up the great work, James.
Thanks for saying it. Unfortunately, I recently had to unsubscribe from another comic book RUclips channel, because the negativity was becoming more and more pronounced. Keep up the good work!
Hey James, I do think there is a lot of negativity, but a lot of it is directed to CGC and people who speculate on books. I think it's an important distinction, grading is a part of the comic hobby, but not all of it. People who grade and people who don't both love the art and stories, they just have different reasons and preferences. Is there toxicity regarding the entire hobby, or just a part of it?
It's always been this way i remember back in the day being lost in LCS no one would give helpful advice about story start points and the older dudes crowding the counter would judge your choices and knowledge
Great video as always! I disagree on the thoughts on CGC, they have done so many more trash things in the last 5 years. Did the whole "scandal" get blown up too much? Absolutely, but to absolve them as just having a hiccup is disingenuous. The 9.9 situation is so weird, like why did they even start doing this?
Totally!!! As a dad of a teen girl , trying to go to cons , shops , and social media isn’t fun for her as much…
That’s really really sad to hear. Sorry mate
That sucks. I have had good luck taking my fiancee to local shops. Usually the owners are happy to see someone getting into comics. Hopefully your daughter can find some things she likes and some friends that enjoy it too!
@@afrocoolio25 Local shop owners are usually some of the best people in the comic community.
My guess is he's referring to the clientele of the shops and cons rather than the owners and vendors.
I forget who said it back in the early '90s, but this person said that casual readers shouldn't go to a comic shop for the same reason that casual drinkers shouldn't go to a corner dive bar. Because that's where you'll run afoul of all the hardcore drunks.
Facebook groups are always negative if someone asks a “noob” question, it’s crazy
The same people who crap on your books in the comments will send you a low ball offer . If you don’t take they start accusing you of trying to rip them off and will report you .
I think people have it confused I see nothing but positivity from the hobby. The only time I see negativity is when talking about selling and buying or complaining about CGC cuz its talking about money. I love when people talk about the story or history of the books they collect. lastly, question was "that" Spiderman power pack one shot ever claimed as noncanal
That Giant Size X-Men is not a 9.9. There are a few other videos examining the high rez scans and shown why it isn't.
I got into the hobby by digging through dollar bins to my hearts content, sucks to think where I'd be if someone was always telling me I was collecting "wrong"
I’m all about the positivity in everything I do, not just comic collecting. I’m back in the hobby after decades of being out of it and I just find fun and joy in reliving old memories from childhood and seeing the new great art and stories being told. This is a very personal hobby, not a team sport. It really doesn’t matter to me what others think about topic X. I am always interested in hearing other people’s thoughts and opinions (and Minthunter is one of the best). I am able to make my own choices and decisions about how and what I want to collect and whether or not I’m sending something off to get graded. Thanks for another great vid!
Great message ...I to am back into the hobby after over 30 yrs out its great because now my son and I share this hobby
Folks who are scared off by negative You Tube videos are missing the point: do you love comic books as an art form or not? There are so many positive aspects to concentrate on, something I see more and more with each succeeding year in the hobby.
I love your positive outlook!
I have a fairly new rule for myself, don't post online unless it's in support of something. I still catch myself posting disagreeing comments all the time. I mostly go right back and delete them. Not sure why it's such a hard rule for me to switch to, but I'm trying!
James it’s even a little deeper. I’ve heard influencers talk getting physical with people and was horrified to see the chat comments egging this behavior on. Our nation is still traumatized by the not so distant outburst of political violence, and I think people new to the hobby just see too many similarities. The bright spot is people like you who make intelligent, thoughtful and useful content that reminds us of the best in this hobby.
I don't really put myself out there in this way but I know those that DO get really opinionated about stuff and they get threatened! I have a buddy who got a death threat and had to get police involved
I can’t wait for the drag James video 😂
Also the fake thumbnails are HILARIOUS!
This is the best YT comic channel!
TY!
Thank you for creating FMV content about our fantastic hobby!
It's nice to see a GEM MINT video taking this serious topic head on - far too many lower bumped hobbyists out there thinking they're 0.5 comments won't affect the overall condition of the hobby.
>> yes I'm using hobby-speak to get my point across
I get it. My only issue,and I indeed have a neck beard...is the people that literally only see dollar signs. NOTHING WRONG with selling books, don't get me wrong...the lack of knowledge outside of key collector and inability to grade or actually tell you why something is actually important,will completely keep my wallet in my pocket, even if I see incredible deals. Now I'm not talking flea market and antique booth sellers, I mean people that just have books,have no real idea what they're doing and go so far as to buy things show em online, know the 2 major keys then ask everyone "if they missed anything". Kinda insulting.
Like you, my good man, I've spent years and years not only loving the medium,but learning and expanding my short sighted view of certain types of books. I happily welcome ALL who actually like comics for whatever reason and am HAPPY to help expand a growing collection and help people find the hobby with the hobby. I'm not going to bat an eye at a greedy flipper that's making it tougher for me and you to get needed books....and I'm definitely not going to go to anyone's comments simply out of spite to discourage someone. Not my place...all I can really do is NOT do business with them myself.
Hope you' and yours doing well James! Looking forward to the next vid!!!
There's a difference between toxic negativity and positive criticism. Gatekeeping in comics is lousy all around. The hobby has collectors, and it has readers, and a lot of us are mixed of both. We should encourage newcomers for whatever reasons they have for wanting to get into the hobby, and we should have open communication about all of it. Old-fashioned water cooler discussions, you know?
I'm a fan of your content and I am not necessarily crapping on you for how you make living, but you are one of those neck beards. Hear me out ..
I don't think you're necessarily gatekeeping, but if we are gauging casual versus hardcore... Someone that judges the condition on every single book strictly from a dollar standpoint and not the hobby standpoint (whether something is a good story) ... To me is the definition of gatekeeping when it comes to comic collecting. You have in many videos snubbed your nose up at comics specifically because they are not 9.8 candidates. When a casual fan says something like you described, this is the sort of actions they are speaking of imo
I don't collect comics myself but do collect video games and it's very similar in that hobby with everyone doing the wata sealed game thing all being jerks about condition and what games are worth, (Rather than how they play). It's part and parcel with collecting nowadays.
There was also a weird thing where if you don't collect the same way as other people, everyone will s*** all over you for it.
For instance, I love translated games and homebrews, and there is a very vocal group out there who s*** on all of that stuff and will quickly jump on the bootleg bandwagon saying anyone that collects it and is into it are evil.
The only way a hobby grows is if new people are encouraged to join it. That does not happen if the barrier for entry is constantly thrown in someone's face.
Every time I read a modern comic and think WOW that was awesome!!!!!! The internet especially is right there to remind me of how bad it actually is and how nobody should be enjoying it. Plus I love not being able to get a book I want because it's the new hotness, and some people think it will lead them to early retirement if they pick up every single copy they can. I still love the hobby, just frustrating more often then not.
Hey! My sarcastic response made it into a video! 5:11
Hahahahahaha
I love comics and will never stop collecting but this video is very timely with all the videos that I see about CGC being a scam. Keep up the great content and I truly believe the universe gives you back what you put into it. Take care friend :)
In my opinion its a bunch of " Nannee Nannee Boo Boo, My collection is better than You." There are Always people with a bigger/ better collection. Crown jewels in My collection are an .05 Strange Tales 110, a restored ASM #14, a PGX 1.5 graded Daredevil #1. I love my Hulk 181 7.5, I love my 8.5 Tomb of Dracula #1 as much as I love my raw Tower of Shadows #1, my raw Ringo Kid #1. Raw, graded, grading company used or grade
received does nothing to diminish my love and pride in my collection. Collect what You love, whatever that may be and this hobby will live up to its intended purpose. Thanks for the video, a solid reminder for many that need to hear it.
Fingers crossed the Britney drag in the near future!
I saw the first appearance of Marrow on your ebay and almost bought it, but needed to hold off because I recently started collecting cgc graded comics (I bought my ninth on ebay today).
I think, like everything, all things can become toxic. From what I seen, the comic community that actually reads comics and collects for fun/passion, those people are the nicest people on earth. I kinda feel like the fans of just the comic movies can be a little more toxic and maybe that scares some people away from comic books.
I’ve never cared what anyone else is buying or collecting, I really mean that, I just collect whatever I want.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The internet is a toxic climate. It’s not comics or movies or books or games or whatever. And some dudes are just obnoxious, but it’s across things - there’s a certain kind of guy who thinks opinion is the same as fact. But I find that for all the toxic people, the internet also increases community. I feel more comfortable now as a woman because I’ve been able to find my people.
"CGC now grades our sex lives" LoL 😅. I'm still laughing!!!!
it's not just the hobby of comic book collecting being affected by the toxic groupies, it's everything to do with collecting of any franchise, oh you like x-men, your part of the woke, oh you like star wars by disney, you are either part of the woke or a disney shill. i get so sick of those people that are on social media, i just begin putting them on a block list. out of sight, out of mind. i tire of those types always thinking to ruin something someone else loves or likes all so, they can keep their viewers or followers with their toxic behaviors all so, they can act like big shot know it alls who think they know everything when half of them if not more don't know jack sqaut, they don't know how things work in the business industries like film, tv or comics for that matter. oh i went to college and got this degree in this, good for you, it doesn't make you an expert in nothing but, being a definitive little cry baby. you want to know how things work in those types of things like movies, tv or comics then, go talk to the real experts. not some flaming dope who thinks cause they have their grand opinions makes them an actual expert on everything. there, nuff said!
I totally agree! Unfortunately it’s honestly like that with pretty much everything these days. Especially when it comes to social media. People are always so quick to be negative and start an argument in the comments. Like you said it’s very toxic and that really takes a toll on your mental over time. It’s weird that we tend to be so drawn to negativity as a society. Hopefully one day we can change that.
Thank you for the conversation.
Thank you for saying out loud what a lot of people are thinking. I frequently comment to my wife that it feels like people with these comic book channels really don't like comic collectors. I personally love reading comics, love staring at my collection of raw comics, love staring at my graded comics, love cleaning and pressing comics, and love submitting comics.There's a lot to love in this hobby! Thanks for the positve move for the community!
Just read books and stay offline.
Calling people neckbeards is negative too though.
But yeah, collect what you want. Slab what you want. I don't know why anyone would care about what someone else says or does. It's supposed to be fun
Preach it! The comic book collecting community needs more positive messages like this. It's easy to jump on the dump train and be critical, and sometimes that criticism is warranted, but it feels like the need for outrage is just too much. Enjoy your comic books collectors!
Preach!
I'm 2 years into the hobby and submitting to CGC for grading, and during that time, I have been welcomed and encouraged by the comic book community.
I’ve been reading RUclips comments saying the X-men have gone “woke,” which blew my mind, like, you mean the same X-men which has always been about inclusion and diversity…you don’t say 🤔…the toxicity is definitely a thing
DUDE I KNOW - I totally understand the "too woke" argument but for X-men it just makes sense to go that way!
The team literally got their name from Malcom X😂😂😂 They are the O.G.'s of quote un-quote "woke" 😂 The show has been a home run every single episode thus far.
Yeah I dont know about that@@djmoonchild01
@@shawnguertin9223 it's a fact.
Where did you hear that from ?@@djmoonchild01
It really is sad. As someone who recently just got back into the hobby in the past few years. I recall going to shops and talking about stories with others, and now it's all about the drama. When i say I really dont care about the drama, I get completely dog pilied. So now I avoid the shops and buy online. It's terrible that we live during a time when drama is more important than the hobby. So, I will keep collecting my way and ignoring all the doom and gloomers.
I say collect your way. If you like them raw, then read the stories, and we can talk about them. If you like graded, then grade, and we can talk about that too.
It’s sad that people will gatekeep anyone from this hobby. This hobby is an escape from the real world at times and has always been so accepting of many. To gatekeep or keep anyone from being able to experience that acceptance is just sad.
this was a great vid imo im just now getting into comic collecting
The problem is that this hobby is predicated on an economic transaction. Everything is monetized which corrupts. This is different than other hobbies. Although all communities have a level of disagreement or toxicity, many are not driven by profit. For example, I love craft beer. The community rules because we share and trade beer. Sure there is tension between IPA and sour snobs, but because no one is losing money, no one gets that angry.
Interesting topic, I completely agree and I'm hoping we can learn to be better. I love what Liefeld said yesterday about Ed Piskors untimely death, we need to be better at giving grace, and not judgement. Grace and forgiveness everyone makes mistakes.
appreciate your attitude about collecting. CGC deserves the recent criticisms.
the recent VALID criticisms - not the fake piggybacking ones
I love not to hace those tóxicos friends
Negativity feeds the algorithm. Social media plays to the depravity of man. It takes intentionality to steer clear of that fold. But it’s worth it. Life is better without bathing in “what I don’t like.” 🤷🏻♂️
“Social media plays to the depravity of man.” That’s worthy of being carved into stone tablets and displayed in public places worldwide.
I found more like-minded folks and gravitating towards positivity. You can't let total strangers take your energy and mental space.
Cheers to that!
I guess they aren’t looking in the right spot. Glad I found your Channel!!
Cheers mate and welcome aboard!
Ive been collecting since mid 70s. Nothing will stop me. As a matter of fact, im getting my grandkids, 10 and 8 into collecting comics now.
Congratulations on the grades you got for those grandkids! Maybe with a clean a press you can get that 8 up to a 9.4. ; )
Heck yeah! that's awesome mate!
I've thought about producing content, but I'm not sure I could keep producing something positive week after week. Good on you for doing it.
You can do it!
FREE STUFF! When did the Internet have a negative side of any hobby? 🤔
Free stuff woot woot!
I have had a comic shop owner look down at this nose at me for a graded comic and comment "I like to read comics" I told him good and I never shopped there again. You have to buck up get some thick skin and don't let the turds in the hobby run you off. This is just a microcosm for life. There are neckbeard asshats everywhere. Keep in mind there are great folks out there, be positive and look for those people. You will find them!
Hahaha that guy sounds SO COOL lol
We need to get some young blood in the hobby. It was magical for me in my teens to go to comic shops and shows. Nowadays I rarely see anyone young interested. Gatekeeping is the worst for young kids to see. I cannot stand when someone shows a slab off that they are proud of only to be shot down by comments on people who say it shouldn't have been slabbed or is too low of a grade.
With as popular as the MCU has been in the 21st Century, you'd think there would be an influx of new comics fans discovering the hobby just like their was in the '80s with the Tim Burton Batman film and the '90s with Batman: TAS and X-Men '97, and even the '70s with the Super Friends and Spider Friends. For whatever reason, that crossover audience isn't there despite the humongous popularity of those films.
In my experience, the best way to create new young readers is to nurture the kids who like drawing. I think it's safe to say that most of us who were drawn to the hobby shared the fantasy of one day making our own comics, and even if a kid who likes the new Spider-Man movies doesn't have a desire to read a Spidey comic book, I'll bet you they're probably drawing Spider-Man in a notebook. Whenever I have a friend with kids who like drawing, I throw them a few all-ages comics or let them borrow my copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, which is still one of the best drawing books ever published. With any luck, that desire to create will boil over into a love for the content.
Thanks for raising this because this whole thing that negative comments and videos get the most hits, indicates there is something completely upside down with how people engage with content. Great topic
It's a shame - and I'm calling it out
The problem is people on any side constantly looking for reasons to hate anyone. Just read comics.
I've experienced the negativity in person often enough with people learning that i collect Superman. The philosophy promoted here ,collect what you love is one of the reasons i became a member. I don't know why my collection has upset people. I really need dont care anymore. But just if anyone is wondering, i have other stuff too.
I’m sorry to hear that. Superman rocks 🤘
Us DC fans get flack in general because it isnt elite marvel lol. My wifes doing superman and any time she asks about it she gets weird looks. Collect that superman Robert!
Another Robert who collects Superman!
I sometimes collect Superman and other DC titles, especially Justice League America. Buy what you enjoy reading.
As a collector of both Diecast and Comics. I can say that the comic community is more toxic because of how many people sware that you have to collect certain titles just because of the value. Or how you have to have slab your books to be a collector. It's sad to see how much toxicity the community has.
The comic community which Ed loved turned on him. I say that`s pretty toxic, as an older gent I can`t believe how toxic the comic book culture has become. That`s why I stick to my two old men's sports Golf and baseball, so far that toxic culture finds my two sports boring. Good, let`s keep it that way. Let that culture have comics, football, basketball, and music. Peace Out. Good video. Just subscribed.
Who's Ed? maybe I'm out of the loop but I saw a couple people mention someone named "Ed?"
@@MintHunterComics Ed Piskor. Give that name a google with comic book toxic culture.
The problem is its the vocal minority.
I like that term
I remember as a kid the arguments were who could beat who, who was the best artist or who was your favorite characters. But it was all in fun 😂
I don't understand how you can gatekeep just collecting. Like if you like something collect it.
I will say as a young collector (21) I see a lot of negativity, especially within the online zones like instagram, youtube, reddit, and it's really hard to find positive posts! I will say I enjoy the most with going to cons and my local shops, but I'll also say some shop owners or workers tend to have lost the actual passion for the hobby from the conversations I've had with them. Every time I bring up actual comics and the contents of it it somehow gets to a long winded negative speech on some part or parts of the comic. This doesn't change my opinion for the comics but I do get disheartened sometimes to actually talk with new people about comics.
It can definitely be toxic. Misinformation, gatekeepers, it all can be scary, but this girl aint going no where
As an X-men lover, I'd love to see you dress as Storm! Thanks for the great video, James.
Hahahah that'd be horrific
@@MintHunterComics Please don't do that!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Oh man. I needed this video.
Thx for trying to be positive. We all need this much more than we think.
Greetings from Austria
You got it!
I just started collecting. I am of an age I had "old" comics from the 60s and early 70s from when I was a kid. I am discovering all the titles I missed (both from back then and the 80s, 90s from when I wasn't reading/collecting). So many cool covers and stories. This is an art form, pieces of history, true collectibles. Enjoy it, or don't. Grading companies now play an important role, providing a quasi-subjective but reasonable assessment of the condition of a book. Yes, it is a little expensive to grade/slab a book, but nobody is forcing you to do it. If you love the book, have the extra money, and want to preserve it in a slab, go for it. If you are slabbing to try and flip the book for profit then do your research. Ignore the neckbeards and be happy.
I bought Avengers #4 and put up a video about it on my channel yesterday. 36 views so far. If I had of put in a negative title though, who knows how many views it’d get.
Hahaha true "I bought a piece of crap stinking Avengers 4!!!"
😂😂@@MintHunterComics
Just watched it, so now you've got 37 views. Stay positive, sir!
"You can't even defend CGC right now without getting a dog pile on you..."
"You can't even defend CGC right now... *remainder redacted*"
Fixed that for you lol
I don't have a problem necessarily with people grading and slabbing comics, I just think that it kind of misses the point of the hobby to read and enjoy these wonderful stories
Amen
They are only collectors and looking at investment not enjoyment of the hobby. I do both, but more of a reader and lover of the medium. Although I've only slabbed one book so far. Do what you want, just get comics!!
Alway insightful James. I appreciate your welcoming demeanor regarding the hobby. My first online purchases were from your claim sales.
Lovin' your content and your statues !! (There GOES the algorithm!)
For me, the hobby is personal and I only engage in openly discussing it with friends. As a kid collecting in the '80s and '90s, it was grand fun with friends, and it still is! I think the problem today is not the toxicity of the community, rather the toxicity of social media. So, I avoid social media for that very reason. I may be wrong, but that's my experience.
OMG! That colored glass chicken! YAAAASSS!
You’ve long had the best take on comics. This needed to be said. I get tired of the FOMO stuff. Like dude I’ve bought some FOMO books and I don’t regret jt. Let people enjoy the hobby responsibly. And comics will always be speculation just like everything cause nobody knows the future. Enjoy the present!
Comic collecting is a male dominated industry. And men, in general, enjoy being "know-it-alls" and being aggressive about it.
I came back to the hobby about 3 maybe 4 years ago now. I watched and consumed a LOT of RUclips content on comics including this very channel. There were a few “scandals” during that time that some channels really built their audience off of. For example I watched this one creator do at least three 2 &1/2hr - 3hr shows on acetate gate. I can’t believe I actually remember this. This had three scandals in one. There was the acetate cover that went over the UF4 cover showing Miles Morales holding the folded flag but it wasn’t drawn incorrectly so some thought it was disrespectful. There was the fact that initially CGC graded this non Marvel sanctioned acetate cover that I believe had additional staples added to the comic in order for the added cover to be fixed to the comic. CGC graded these comics with the universal blue label and gave out many 9.8s and quite a few grades of 9.9s and 10s. And the juiciest part of this scandal was Clayton Crane taking the wife of the guy who hired him to create the art for the UF4 acetate cover. I think it was the Black Flag comics owner? I could easily probably name four or five more controversies. But things like that and the negativity was just too much for me. It was bringing me down but it was giving RUclips comic content creators the negative fuel that makes them go. That gives them the the very thing that gives them the views and the likes. I’ve unfollowed quite a few of those creators. I think the biggest problem for me is the echo chamber on these shows with their buddies on the show with them and the viewers on the live chat and it’s crazy to watch almost everyone sharing the same opinions. No one pushing back. When push back happens it’s a rare occurrence. Just entertain me, give me info, show me some cool covers I’ve never seen before and tell me some of the best stories written in comics. If I’m interested I’ll seek out those floppies or get it in a TPB or Omnibus.
Where I do disagree with you is the CGC slight “hate” of late. In my opinion it’s earned and overdue. I’m not a slabber but I have purchased CBCS and CGC slabs. So I’m not against it. But in my opinion and I’ve said this for years but the collector and the dealers have made CGC too big to fail. I’ve watched you creators do multiple videos doing grade reveals. Giving CGC free advertising. So now for the collector if it’s not CGC it’s less than. Collectors in many cases are not purchasing the book in the slab they are purchasing the CGC label and the CGC reputation that in my opinion has been sullied many times over. Now I fully understand the dealers. They are a slave to the consumer. The consumer pays a premium for CGC graded books but for some reason aren’t willing to pay for a premium for a CBCS graded book although CBCS has the reputation for being a tougher honest grader. Wouldn’t a slabbed book from CBCS be seen as a more worthy investment than CGC? Ok I’m going to stop here. Negativity like sex sells. FOX learned that quite a while ago and it continues to be the true unfortunately. YOU amazingly have given your viewers GREAT content for a long time. I look forward to what you put out. You have a certain… charisma. I’m not a DC guy. Definitely not a Green Lantern guy but you talk about it in a way that makes it entertaining. I almost considered purchasing a Green Lantern comic #81 (I think) as a cover buy. I personally enjoy longer content but your 8-15 minute shows seem to be your sweet spot. Maybe one day you’ll consider giving us a 30minute show discussing comics instead of CGC unboxing.
What up, James! Sigh, yeah, feels like that “negativity high” is so alluring for some. It is disheartening to hear of so much of this negativity in a community that I hadn’t visited since the gimmick books of the 90s. I must say that “getting back in the comics game” since last year, I have had nothing but positive experiences with my surrounding comic book community. I would hope all collectors have the positive experiences I’ve had in my local comic book community. #HTownRepresent Thanks for making quality videos that are always positive at the core - I respect that. The CGC bumpers were funny af!! 😆👍 Cheers to the next vid!
Anyone that follows my comments is about to have a stroke. As far as the CGC scandal goes...There was not a whole lot they could do about it. Crooks are going to cheat the system. CGC doesn't have cameras in every collector's home to see if they are breaking into slabs and putting them back together with lesser comics. Hopefully this doesn't go on too much. But frankly it's not something they can police easy. You just have to be smart about the slabs you purchase. If something looks like a 2.0 in a 9.8 slab, it's probably fake.
Everyone that knows me knows that I don't like slabs. I like my comics raw so I can read them. I feel like slabs was just a way bored collectors tried to feel excited about the hobby again. Now. That being said. Everyone has got a right to collect any way they want to. Just because I don't like it or have a feeling about it, it doesn't mean it's wrong. If slabbing books get people that were kind of bored into the hobby again. Cool! If someone just wants to have a cool display piece of a book they love? Cool! As long as we have people in the hobby and they realize that speculating is like putting money in your 401K...Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. Cool! There are things I would like to see different and I won't lie about it. I feel like too many RUclips channels especially and a lot of people that hit stores picking try to influence people to "BUY KEYS!" Some RUclipsrs that have become big influencers are pushing their own agenda by saying things are hot when they're not and probably never will be. But....There is no Comic Police. You just have to do what you like and go with it. It's your hobby. Enjoy it how you see fit.
I'll finish before this becomes a term paper like I usually leave. As toxic as people say the comic community is, it's not the worst. In person, most comic folks can be nice and try to point you in the direction you want to go in. But the VHS market! Oh, my God! If you post a pic of a graded tape, 75% of the people start screaming that it's worthless and why would you grade a tape you can watch! How dare you!? And if you point out any tape and just ask how much the experts would say it's worth, about fifty percent will scream at you that it's worthless, 25% will say you should watch it and not sell or grade it, and another 10% will cry in the comments about how they're so sad because they can't go to the thrift stores and buy tapes for a a quarter any more. Boo-hoo! (Welcome to the comic book market, right?) To all this anti-grading, I have found myself doing something I never thought I would do. Defending graders. It's not hurting anyone. If someone wants to grade a tape or comic, go for it! It's theirs! Do as you wish! It's their CHOICE! If you don't want yours graded, don't get them graded. Or bust open the slab and have it raw. Whatever! But don't hate on someone for doing what makes them happy. Damn, what have I come to?
I've lately been getting back into collecting comics myself and it seems that most videos anymore focus on slabbing key comics. I'm old-school, preferring to be able to actually enjoy the comic ("raw" I suppose). It's almost like the 90's speculation craze has taken the form of buying CGC-graded 9.8 pieces of wall art instead of something peeps can read. To each his/her own, I suppose, right?
You DEFINITELY should have donned the Brittany Spears outfit! If people want to get into the hobby of comics to collect and read, then, okay, you are a true comic book lover and aficionado. If people just want to get into comics to buy raw keys, grade them and flip for a profit, those are not true comic book collectors. James, you deal comics, but you are also a collector. You can do both! All I've ever said is that I'm not the customer for slabs because I want to READ the stories and SEE the art. Yeah, I've stopped watching the negative videos. It was a little fun at first, but then it seems like those people don't like ANYTHING about comics and, at that point, why would you still read them if you hate them so much? Doesn't make sense. Slabs aren't for me, but I don't care if you want slabs in your collection. It's your money. Do with it what you want. Good vid!
Social Media is designed be toxic. It's hard if you don't want to play the game. But collectors can stay with LCS, Conventions, IG, RUclips, etc. BUT collecting has always been antagonistic. Even back in 80s. In a trade or sale: You have 2 people and each one wants to get the better deal.
Comic Book Group on Facebook anybody? Everything from “😂 reaction likes” on new collectors posting a “rare grail” (to them) that really isn’t rare to someone being ridiculed in the comments for posting a book their wife got them signed by Stan Lee that doesn’t look legit… to the downfall of Ed Piskor this internet community is unfortunately toxic af. In person tho? Nah… neckbeards keep their mouths shut
Can't we all just get along? If you like your comics graded, Get them graded. If you like them raw, keep them raw. Let's just enjoy good stories, great art, and great covers. Remember what mama said, " If you ain't got nothin good to say, don't say nothin at all."
Solid take. I know you say 98% of collectors are raw collectors but I still feel marginalized by graded collectors. Just how I feel.
I agree "Gatekeepers" of people out right buying new Books by bulk. My LCS does what they can. then people coming in i accept anything when they have. I only buy Raw. i wish you see my LCS in Brooklyn Shoutout to Them. Bringing back what a comic shop is all about. Anyone Comics
thats why im leaning towards digital "NFT" comics on veve "Marvel comics" or Candy "DC comics. but i do collect raw on the side
I've been in this hobby for 38 years. The gatekeeping neckbeards have always been there. The negative nellies have always been there. I remember being asked to sign a petition to prevent Warner Brothers from going through with Michael Keaton being cast as Batman at my first Chicago ComicCon. The only thing we can control is how we interact with others. That is how we win. We can remain positive despite the things that may be problematic in our eyes and not yuck in someone else's yum.
Take me, for example. I hate most things 90's about comics. So much bad came out throughout the 90s that it taints my enjoyment of that entire era. With that said, I won't throw it out there just because someone else happens to love Rob Leifeld (ok, cheap shot I know). If you happen to love that era of comics, I'm happy for you, it's just not for me and I won't try to take away from your enjoyment of it. If you ask my opinion, I'll give it, but I'm not about to go all Simpsons Comic Guy and just but in with my superior attitude and knowledge... "Ak-shulally..." Instead, I'll say, "You do you," and see if we can find any common ground and a more positive topic to discuss. Are there problems that we can discuss? Sure, but rather than raising our torches and pitchforks, we can approach these issues with a little grace in our hearts and a constructive attitude and try to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Comics are fun because of the heros, villains, art, movies, cartoons ect. The negativity comes from the sellers because money is involved. Money corrupts everything .
When it comes to CGC, these are self inflicted issues that they are fixing but this new 9.9 Xmen is just creating another issue. The book doesn’t look like a 9.9 and the timing is suspicious. The “subjective excuse doesn’t cut it when we are talking about $100k plus books
I think that the negativity affects some people differently depending on where you’re at in your life comic collecting journey.
If you’re in the reading stage, I think you’re open to suggestions, but will ultimately gravitate towards the books you like.
When you move towards the rarer books you run into the “I know what I’ve got” people, which is annoying, but not a huge deal…
THEN you meet the graders… that’s where it gets ridiculous and unnecessary. Make your money and use the hobby to your advantage, but chill! This is where those annoying sellers turn super Sayan lol
I’m a longtime supporter of yours, James and I think you do make a difference trying to keep a positive outlook on the hobby. If you didn’t I never would have stuck around here so long. But I do have to admit I love your comics history videos the most. And I would love to see more discussion about READING comics and plots and characters and recommendations. I’m not sure newcomers have many places to go to hear about that stuff and reading ideas, not just reviews, but historical context and personal reflections. That’s way more interesting and inspiring than endless grading conversations. And the hobby of collecting comics should include reading them too. I tend to avoid a lot of the negative output online about everything, which is why I quit social media years ago. But YT isn’t all negative and you help make that happen, MintHunter!
Do NOT! get sucked into the abyss! Buy and collect what you want for the reasons you want to, it’s your hard earned money and so it should be your choice. Comics are awesome and should be enjoyed by all! Btw, I would pay for shipping of that prime book to South Africa😉
I grade comics that I like not only for the story, the characters involved, but also have cool covers, and they're not necessarily "high dollar" books. (I do have high worth as well from earlier in my life, but anyway...) Some are books that I love reading and are reminders of periods of my "comic book life." If I want to have them slabbed, and they are only worth $32 or even lower in some instances, then so be it. I can display them in a cool way and get enjoyment from them. It kills me when someone asks, "Why did you bother grading those?" Well, because maybe it was the books I read to my sons when they were young, or it was an issue that had a storyline that "hit home" with me in some way. Nonetheless, I do it for me.... not the worth, not the opinion, or to get "brownie points" with other collectors... just good ol' me. Now, if another collector says, "Dude, I loved that storyline." or "That cover art is bad-ass.", then it gives me something to connect with other collectors about, to have an enjoyable conversation with them, and gives me even more enjoyment all because of a simple comic book. Last time I checked, I'm spending MY money on things I enjoy, so if it matters to me and brings enjoyment in my life, then I'm going to do it. This is why I'm glad I came across some of the claim sales I have participated in the last few years... not only is there a chance to buy cool books that I missed or that got removed from my life and are now back again, but the people involved either in the chat or that are hosting (you and threesixtycomics are my favorite two to date... and I'm not just saying that because it's your channel I'm commenting on... 😁). We talk about comic books, celebrate one another getting "big boy books," and buying each other books for no reason other than, well, because we can, and why not? Or just chatting about complete nonsense as the sale goes along and getting a laugh out of it. The "good community" is still out there, and I'm glad people like yourself are keeping the negative out of it to the best of your ability. (Kicking out the deadbeats and people making drama, for example) Keep doing what you do, James. It's appreciated. I'm glad to be a part of the hobby.
As a pretty new comic fan myself I definitely understand, i’m new and i’m young and I prefer to collect comics more around my era (new 52, rebirth etc.) and basically I just found out that the new 52 which is currently my favorite reading, is highly controversial in the community and whenever I defend the titles Im immediately called a casual or hell even classless lmao. But it’s all just randoms making noises, collect what you want guys you should never feel like your shelf and collection is someone else’s recommendations. It’s YOURS!
Along with comics im also into sneakers, pokemon and sports cards. There will ALWAYS be people who gatekeep and people who are toxic. Don’t let them be the reason why you don’t get into the hobby. The negative comments will always out weigh the good comments but it should still be a hobby for everyone of all ages! Happy collecting!
I agree 100% I like CBCS more, only because they’re owned by Beckett. Which to me is the standard for grading.
But if you want to use any other grading company, by all means go ahead.
But what you said is true, people come at me and say why would you send your stuff to CBCS, they aren’t the best.
Great Video!!!! I too often post something that's not constructive or positive. Too many of us treat newcomers as invaders who will just jack up the price of books we want for our collections. I'm in my 50's and have to remember to be a mentor to the youngsters who are under 30. I was at a show in Grand Rapids Michigan last year and helped two young ladies with purchasing a book. They both were looking for a book to invest in for under $50. The dealer just kept telling them to a buy a book they like. They were looking to invest and grow value of key books. I explained the hobby to them especially the era of books that are most valuable and have room to grow. They made wise purchases after my help. The books they bought have gone up in value. That's what we all should be doing.
My fellow James. You have hit the nail on the head. I recently returned to collecting after a very long hiatus. I’m interested in the whole grading game because it’s new, sounds fun, and I want to see what some of my older issues would be scored. But sheesh. It’s paralyzing. I don’t know whether or not to do it. Who do I use? Where do I start? How do I get them cleaned and pressed? Do I need to do that (yes I know it’s your gospel). 😂 It’s overwhelming and the negativity fosters my feelings of frustration even if they’re subconsciously affecting me. From one James to another thanks for speaking your truth.
I personally do not care what people think about c g c or c b c s, I enjoy Grading my books. I will continue to do so. Besides the hunt, it's the funnest part of the hobby for me