Hey everyone, one thing I really hope isn’t lost in the video is how many people I have to thank for helping me get this book. It’s not just the diligent hunting that leads to good things, it’s the personal connections you make along the way that provide so many great opportunities. So a special thanks to Allan the Comic Collector Geek, Ryan from Automatic Comics, and Archie Andrews for all their great advice, to Rohan from Absolute Game of Nerds for connecting me with Steve, to Steve and Comic Link for the great personal touch their company provided, to Comic Spa for their exemplary work on the book, and of course to everyone else who provided information and followed my journey to this book. It takes a village sometimes and our comic book community is a village full of wonderful people!
I would like to thank you for promoting and normalizing about being frugal in buying comic books. A lot of collectors try to "keeo up with the jonses" and buy expensive grails and just shun other collectors that are frugal and want a good deal. It's like "Show how rich you are."
I computed the value of all the comics you have on display in your wall and I think it's worth roughly 15-16,000 dollars. If you add your X-men 1 there then it's worth 20,000 dollars. Make sure you have tight security in your house. Buy a few added padlocks on the doors, keep your house fire and calamity proof and get comics insurance.
Great story. Congrats on the Holy Grail book. I grew up poor as well and got free lunch from the school. Sold my lunch for 25 to 50 cents and bought comics which were 25 to 30 cents at the time. My mother found out and was not happy.
The look of sheer, unadulterated JOY when you looked at it, just made my day! As a fellow X-Men fan, I'm so happy for you ......and I'm jealous! lol Great job, Mike!
I’ve got some tears in my eyes for you. How you aren’t more emotional about it I’ll never know. I know you are keeping it together for the video. I will be where you are one day. I’ve been saving for years. $10 a paycheck for so long. Now doing $30. I’m ready to be a member of the x-men #1 club
Great story. I wish I never gave and sold my Bronze Age collection for pennies on the dollar in the early 2000’s to lighten the load when I was moving. I’ll never collect BB cards and comics again, so I’ll live through your channel. Great content and an even better delivery that keeps me engaged and reminiscing about my Captain America and collection of X-Men comics from the 70’s and early 80’s… smh
I understand the struggle during childhood for getting comics with whatever coins you had in your pocket. I can totally relate. I got comics from the local grocery stores and the 7-11. Those 3 packs for 99c were the best. And hearing that turnstile with new books was music to my ears. Well done on getting that X-Men 1.
Congratulations!!! This is so great. I had a chance at a LCS back in the late 70"s to buy X-Men #1 of the wall for $100.00 but I had only been working for a year or so. That was a lot money back then and I just could not justify it to my myself. I passed on it and have regretted it ever since. LOL Still can't afford it but seeing you do it brings a lot of joy. Enjoy your prize. You earned it.
Love the story. My lil' brother & I too were somewhat poorer than the average kid. Never had money to buy comics. So, similar to your story; my mother couldn't make our lunch every Friday, so she would give us $3 each to buy a pizza pizza slice or a 6" subway sandwich. My brother & I bought a beef patty instead for 75 cents, & used the rest of the money to buy our comic book. & if we didn't find any books we wanted that Friday, we would hit up the arcade (local convince store) & play arcade games. Loved the video. & that 1.8 looks superb to my eyes! Awesome find, & awesome trade!!
"Wow, stumbling upon your channel was like finding a hidden treasure chest of inspiration! Your dedication, creativity, and passion for comic books shine through every video. Watching you fearlessly pursue your goals and dream books, has truly motivated me to do the same in my own life, and maybe start a channel of my own someday. I too have a love of X-Men comics, I have a run from #50 - #544, and I'm still trying to complete that run from #1. X-Men #1 and Giant Size X-Men #1 are my two grail books, and I have been trying to find some way to afford those books. Seeing this video has inspired me to keep hunting and put some extra work in searching in strange and unusual places, and who knows maybe I can have a story like yours. Thank you, for being such a beacon of light and showing us all what's possible when you put some work in and follow your heart!"
Congratulations! My wife bought me a 0.5 X-men #1 for Xmas this year. I cried. Like yours, it is the best presenting .5 ever. Some writing on the cover, but most damage on the back. I display it PROUDLY and tell everyone how awesome my wife is! 😁
Mike, Congratulations! I enjoy watching your channel! You have so many friends who are here for you! Wishing everyone all the best! I lost my best friend in 2020. I read comics in the 70’s, I started X-Men with the Along Came A Spider, a reissue of the 60s story. I read X-Men till I graduated HS in 1980. The late 80s I met my friend Bruce, we did a comic book together. He got me reading again he started me on the Dark Knight Returns and got me caught up on X-Men. I started buying books again in ‘88 and I’m still buying. We used to buy titles and loan them to each other. I miss my best friend, he and his family were like a adopted family. They looked out for me after my parents passed away. His sister is the only one left and we look out for each other. I don’t have anyone to talk to about comics around here. I’m glad I found your channel. Your love of comics and your big heart makes me feel at home here. You inspire us, keep up the great work!
Dang, you almost retold my childhood, didn't have much money, scrounging up change, turning in cans so I could ride across town and grab a couple comics from the bargain bin. I'm 45 and just getting back into comics as my son is now interested. Congrats on obtaining your grail. What a great story as well.
Wow. Congratulations man. I''ve been looking at your videos for a couple weeks, not long, but the look on your face and the gleam in your eyes were priceless. I think only fellow collectors can identify with moments like those. X-Men no. 1 is definitely in my top 3. Keep up these great videos. Before I go I just want to mention I'm looking at your videos in Trinidad and Tobago. Your videos are easy to relate to because of your joy and enthusiasm. Keep it up!!
Wow. Great 1.8 you got there. This goes into the personal collection so who cares about the number on the corner. It looks great and will be displayed perfectly behind you on the wall. So happy for you.
Very cool Mike! I'd crack it open, have it cleaned/pressed and possibly. Washed too then see if it can be bumped up to a higher grade. Maybe the spine can be repaired too.
I enjoy your videos. Ever since I was watching your videos and I see you looking through a box of comic books. And I see a comic book about doctor who. The same week I was at a swap meet and I saw three old issue of doctor who. I waited but never went back. I’m allot like you when I shop at antic stores and swap meets. Glad you could find the thrill in the hunt.
My story is much like yours (but a few years older). I used to skip school lunch to buy comics at the LCS. I also buy, trade and flip stuff from garage sales as a side hustle on the weekend. No major comic book scores like you found, but I have turned $3 into a hundred or more a few times. It is a fun hobby but one needs to make sure they are listing as much as possible weekly. Most everything I buy is in the $1 to $3 realm, so I spend less than $40 on average a week. It paid for 4 weekend vacations last year and I have already funded a trip to C2E2 in April.
Epic story, so cool that we viewers got to take it with you to some degree, as always love the personal journey this channel chronicles. Congratulations on the grail!
congratulations , must feel so good. it takes skill and luck to get an opportunity to bring home that Archie that is rare one of a kind and alone on the census. that old Archie was someones grail.
Awesome story and congrats on your X-men #1. Really enjoyed hearing the success of the wild Archie find. Crossing my fingers for another successful hunt for you.
I could not be happier for you, Mike! This is the best, and most authentic, video I’ve seen in years. Love your channel and you deserve that X-men 1 and MUCH MORE!
Congratulations Mike don't think anyone is going to complain about you spending a big chunk of lunch money on this one . I mean who in there right mind if they had ample opportunity would pass up the Grail book theve always wanted. Awesome stuff
I've watched your channel for over a year. But until now, I've never thought about trying to get my personal grail (Strang Tales 110) in this way. I am truly inspired. Thank you so much for sharing.
Congratulations! That is an amazing presenting copy of X-men #1! I lost my chance to get my copy a few years back before the boom! Holding out for a special find also. I have parlayed some of my other finds into some very nice books but not that big a grail! Someday!
That’s super awesome. Great book! That’s really great that you “hunted” it down with a lot of elbow grease. I feel so great that you are enjoying this amazing book.
Congrats Mike! That's a great story. Very impressive to see that Archie hit a 9.2 and you had a great experience selling it on comic link and being able to. Also in return get your comic book grail
congrats on getting your grail!!! I bought an X-Men #1 last year which was an incredible thrill. It was my grail at the time but not biggest book ever as I had bought an ASM #1 a while back which is my all time most desired book. Congrats again as the book does look much nicer than a 1.8
Love it. I do something similar with Magic cards. I am attempting to put together a 7th edition foil set (the most coveted MTG foils) only using money from Magic flips.
Congratulations Mike. Beautiful book. You are correct about the hunt. The joy of finding books that you are looking for but also books that catch your eye. Books you never knew existed. Enjoy your grail!
Congrats Mike! What a fantastic story! I have wondered what ever became of that odd Archie comic you found and now I know. How cool to find such a rarity at an estate sale. Very inspirational. Keep up the great vibes and fun content my friend. Excelsior!
Aha!! I WONDERED if that Golden Age Archie was part of this story! Congratulations, Mike! And thanks for a very entertaining video. Your $5 Archie find was the stuff of comic collector dreams. Happy that you turned it into your grail book!
First CONGRATULATIONS on getting your grail!!! I know what that feels like. The absolute elation finally having "The book" you've been searching for. I'm a comic collector on a budget so I'm always finding ways outside the box to get my hands on books I'm hunting. Whether it be trading for it, with some books I picked up on the cheap, or offering up some one of a kind piece of art (being an amateur artist can have its benefits). Or one day your landlord's kooky niece knocks on your door and hands you a New Mutants 98 in a Huge stack of comics (true story). The finding of the book makes all the work you put in so worth it. Thank you for sharing that awesome story. Enjoy your newest edition to your collection!!!
Dont see a lot of your vids (sorry), but I remember that archie. Great to see the outcome and value of it. And congratulations on the X1 .. That's amazing :)
Wow! 🎉 Congratulations Mike and thanks for the inspirational story. It is very much the trill of the hunt and love the journey as well. I have been learning so much from your journeys and can only hope I'm doing it right. Thanks for the fun!❤
So happy for you! I am a big X-Men fan and had a #1 that was a 4.0. Sadly I had a midlife crisis and sold my collection in 2005. I regret it until this day. I have rebuilt my collection and now only need #1 and #4 to complete the first ten issues. It's going to be a struggle to obtain another copy of #1. However, as collectors we all know half the fun is the "hunt" and never knowing when you will find the next treasure for your collection. So thrilled for you Lunch Money!!!!!!!!
Omg omg omg! The look on your face brother, it made my eyes watery. I felt what you felt man! I have that same dream of an X-Men 1! I am extremely happy for you brother! Soo freaking cool!
I saw the original video on the estate sale, and mentioned to you thur comment that the archie was a giveaway promo book. Glad you turned it into something memorable.
Never seen your channel before, but... as someone who starved himself as a child to buy comics and see movies, I can sympathize with your tale. Congrats, and best of luck with the rest of the collection!
Huge congrats on getting that grail! Your copy is punching way above its grade, it looks fantastic. Every milestone has a collection of seemingly snap decisions that get you that point and its been fun to be a fly on the wall and see it unfold. Enjoy the book and keep it away from sunlight!!
Good video Mike. The most compelling part of this was when you recounted your childhood experiences. Feels like you’ve arrived at an inflection point in your collecting endeavors.
What a great story and great video Mike. I think I might have shared back when I first subscribed to your channel, but our origins are identical. I also come from very humble beginnings. I also would go hungry to save, forage and scrounge literal loose change, to then walk 30 mins in 30° weather, on several occasions through snow, to buy my books. That's when I was about 10, I'm 45 now and I still own and cherish every book I ever bought, every last one. The serendipity of how you came across this jewel encompasses the spirit and magic of what I find so appealing about this hobby. I don't collect as much as I used to after recently finishing my runs of ASM and Uncanny, but I enjoy your videos because I relive the thrill of the hunt, the people you meet along the way, and of course the exhilaration of discovering that diamond in the rough, so to speak. I thank you, God bless you, and good luck!
CONGRATS! Wow! This is also my #1 grail. Love seeing anyone finally own a grail of this magnitude, but because it's X-Men 1, I'm biased as to how cool this is. Thanks for sharing!
very happy for you Mike. awesome backstory. i've heard the pieces while watching over time but nice to hear it all together and see the final win. keep up the great content. looking forward to following you through the strange and unusual path that leads to your next big PC goal.
Congratulations on your super Grail X-Men book. By the way I have been hearing you say I can't believe I own this book a lot lately you are on a streak. What a wonderful story of how you built up to the book. This is a fantastic show congratulations again.
Great job Mike!!!! Sooo HAPPY FOR YOU BROTHA!!! YOU DESERVE THAT.. Especially because of who you are and what you represent.. I've been a fan of your channel and seen a bit of your journey.. GREAT JOB.. KEEP IT UP¡
What an amazing and inspirational video! It's such a great coincidence that the last video (and my first of your channel) was the one where you got your #2 and #3 grails! (Hulk 181 and the FF 48!) Congratulations again! Not sure if I will ever get my grail( Amazing fantasy #15- huge Spider Man fan) but now I feel like it's more possible than ever and never too late to make it happen! Thanks for the confidence boost! Also noticed that Hulk has been graded! Nice!
What an amazing and inspiring video! I need to rethink the way that I hunt and the way that I run my channel. Thank you so much! And enjoy that X-Men book. A gorgeous copy. You have made my day, sir.
Man I love this!!!! I remember watching that original video when you got the Archie. Very very cool video. I was def that kid in the late 80s early 90s wanting this book. My lcs has a copy for $400 and that seemed like a million dollars at age 12 lol. Nicely done and congrats!!!
BRO this is amazing story and it really gives me hope to be able to obtain some of my grail books one of these days!! Love the channel and everything ya do super happy for ya
This made my day what I great story. I remember when you made the flea market video so happy to see you reach your goal and your channel grow. Congratulations keep it up.
I never comment but I enjoy your content so much. This was an excellent video, absolutely incredible and congrats on the grail! Top notch content from a top notch guy.
Man! What an absolutely fantastic story! thanks for sharing! I remember when you were hunting for the estate sale and You Came upon that rare Archie comic so cool I'm so happy for you man! can't wait for my story for something similar to yours, so I can share it as well! thanks again man and happy Hunting!
Hello Mike - Love Lunch Money Comics and anxiously wait for your videos every Monday…. My wife who puts up with my hobby, even views your broadcast along side me. Keep up the good work ! Rich G ( a 50 year + comic reader/ collector)
Hey everyone, one thing I really hope isn’t lost in the video is how many people I have to thank for helping me get this book. It’s not just the diligent hunting that leads to good things, it’s the personal connections you make along the way that provide so many great opportunities.
So a special thanks to Allan the Comic Collector Geek, Ryan from Automatic Comics, and Archie Andrews for all their great advice, to Rohan from Absolute Game of Nerds for connecting me with Steve, to Steve and Comic Link for the great personal touch their company provided, to Comic Spa for their exemplary work on the book, and of course to everyone else who provided information and followed my journey to this book.
It takes a village sometimes and our comic book community is a village full of wonderful people!
I would like to thank you for promoting and normalizing about being frugal in buying comic books. A lot of collectors try to "keeo up with the jonses" and buy expensive grails and just shun other collectors that are frugal and want a good deal. It's like "Show how rich you are."
I computed the value of all the comics you have on display in your wall and I think it's worth roughly 15-16,000 dollars. If you add your X-men 1 there then it's worth 20,000 dollars. Make sure you have tight security in your house. Buy a few added padlocks on the doors, keep your house fire and calamity proof and get comics insurance.
Great story. Congrats on the Holy Grail book. I grew up poor as well and got free lunch from the school. Sold my lunch for 25 to 50 cents and bought comics which were 25 to 30 cents at the time. My mother found out and was not happy.
Textbook definition of ''make the hobby pay for itself''!! Congratulations on getting that grail!!
Really amazing story. An awesome finds!
The look of sheer, unadulterated JOY when you looked at it, just made my day! As a fellow X-Men fan, I'm so happy for you ......and I'm jealous! lol Great job, Mike!
I’ve got some tears in my eyes for you. How you aren’t more emotional about it I’ll never know. I know you are keeping it together for the video. I will be where you are one day. I’ve been saving for years. $10 a paycheck for so long. Now doing $30. I’m ready to be a member of the x-men #1 club
Great video!
Great story. I wish I never gave and sold my Bronze Age collection for pennies on the dollar in the early 2000’s to lighten the load when I was moving. I’ll never collect BB cards and comics again, so I’ll live through your channel. Great content and an even better delivery that keeps me engaged and reminiscing about my Captain America and collection of X-Men comics from the 70’s and early 80’s… smh
I understand the struggle during childhood for getting comics with whatever coins you had in your pocket. I can totally relate. I got comics from the local grocery stores and the 7-11. Those 3 packs for 99c were the best. And hearing that turnstile with new books was music to my ears. Well done on getting that X-Men 1.
Congratulations!!! This is so great. I had a chance at a LCS back in the late 70"s to buy X-Men #1 of the wall for $100.00 but I had only been working for a year or so. That was a lot money back then and I just could not justify it to my myself. I passed on it and have regretted it ever since. LOL Still can't afford it but seeing you do it brings a lot of joy. Enjoy your prize. You earned it.
Love the story. My lil' brother & I too were somewhat poorer than the average kid. Never had money to buy comics. So, similar to your story; my mother couldn't make our lunch every Friday, so she would give us $3 each to buy a pizza pizza slice or a 6" subway sandwich. My brother & I bought a beef patty instead for 75 cents, & used the rest of the money to buy our comic book. & if we didn't find any books we wanted that Friday, we would hit up the arcade (local convince store) & play arcade games. Loved the video. & that 1.8 looks superb to my eyes! Awesome find, & awesome trade!!
"Wow, stumbling upon your channel was like finding a hidden treasure chest of inspiration! Your dedication, creativity, and passion for comic books shine through every video. Watching you fearlessly pursue your goals and dream books, has truly motivated me to do the same in my own life, and maybe start a channel of my own someday. I too have a love of X-Men comics, I have a run from #50 - #544, and I'm still trying to complete that run from #1. X-Men #1 and Giant Size X-Men #1 are my two grail books, and I have been trying to find some way to afford those books. Seeing this video has inspired me to keep hunting and put some extra work in searching in strange and unusual places, and who knows maybe I can have a story like yours. Thank you, for being such a beacon of light and showing us all what's possible when you put some work in and follow your heart!"
What a wonderful comment, thank you for that and for watching, and I’m sure you will get your own grails one day!
Congratulations! My wife bought me a 0.5 X-men #1 for Xmas this year. I cried. Like yours, it is the best presenting .5 ever. Some writing on the cover, but most damage on the back. I display it PROUDLY and tell everyone how awesome my wife is! 😁
Mike, Congratulations! I enjoy watching your channel! You have so many friends who are here for you! Wishing everyone all the best! I lost my best friend in 2020. I read comics in the 70’s, I started X-Men with the Along Came A Spider, a reissue of the 60s story. I read X-Men till I graduated HS in 1980. The late 80s I met my friend Bruce, we did a comic book together. He got me reading again he started me on the Dark Knight Returns and got me caught up on X-Men. I started buying books again in ‘88 and I’m still buying. We used to buy titles and loan them to each other. I miss my best friend, he and his family were like a adopted family. They looked out for me after my parents passed away. His sister is the only one left and we look out for each other. I don’t have anyone to talk to about comics around here. I’m glad I found your channel. Your love of comics and your big heart makes me feel at home here. You inspire us, keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Congratulations MIke! That is a very nice looking 1.8!
Nice colors on that copy. Congrats on getting your grail!
Dang, you almost retold my childhood, didn't have much money, scrounging up change, turning in cans so I could ride across town and grab a couple comics from the bargain bin. I'm 45 and just getting back into comics as my son is now interested. Congrats on obtaining your grail. What a great story as well.
Great story. Awesome comic. I remember hustling as a kid for 90s comics too.
Awesome feeling when you find things wish you luck find you next Book!
Wow. Congratulations man. I''ve been looking at your videos for a couple weeks, not long, but the look on your face and the gleam in your eyes were priceless. I think only fellow collectors can identify with moments like those. X-Men no. 1 is definitely in my top 3. Keep up these great videos. Before I go I just want to mention I'm looking at your videos in Trinidad and Tobago. Your videos are easy to relate to because of your joy and enthusiasm. Keep it up!!
Congrats on getting your grail. It’s a great looking copy. Awesome to hear the story too how you came to get it
Wow. Great 1.8 you got there. This goes into the personal collection so who cares about the number on the corner. It looks great and will be displayed perfectly behind you on the wall. So happy for you.
This is the single greatest comic book video of all time.
Haha thanks buddy, I really appreciate that!
That is a very clean looking 1.8 . The front looks great, congrats
Very cool Mike! I'd crack it open, have it cleaned/pressed and possibly. Washed too then see if it can be bumped up to a higher grade. Maybe the spine can be repaired too.
Inspired. I learned a lot from watching you dig. Helps me make better decisions in the wild!
Fantastic story and a great looking 1.8! Congratulations!
I enjoy your videos. Ever since I was watching your videos and I see you looking through a box of comic books. And I see a comic book about doctor who. The same week I was at a swap meet and I saw three old issue of doctor who. I waited but never went back. I’m allot like you when I shop at antic stores and swap meets. Glad you could find the thrill in the hunt.
My story is much like yours (but a few years older). I used to skip school lunch to buy comics at the LCS. I also buy, trade and flip stuff from garage sales as a side hustle on the weekend. No major comic book scores like you found, but I have turned $3 into a hundred or more a few times. It is a fun hobby but one needs to make sure they are listing as much as possible weekly. Most everything I buy is in the $1 to $3 realm, so I spend less than $40 on average a week. It paid for 4 weekend vacations last year and I have already funded a trip to C2E2 in April.
Congratulations on your amazing journey, loved your story
Congrats Mike! Really happy for you.
Congratulations ! Awesome story ! So happy for you !
Epic story, so cool that we viewers got to take it with you to some degree, as always love the personal journey this channel chronicles. Congratulations on the grail!
Beautiful, Mike. So happy for you and inspired by your story
congratulations , must feel so good. it takes skill and luck to get an opportunity to bring home that Archie that is rare one of a kind and alone on the census. that old Archie was someones grail.
Congratulations on your grail, I am a huge believer of buy the book not the grade. Displays great. 😊
Ahhh there it is! So happy for you my friend! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. So what’s next?! Great video and tale my man, on to the next!
Great story and great book! Thanks for the share!!
Congrats! Great addition! & great story! Very happy for you.
Pursuit, the thrill of the chase, well done Mike, your enthusiasm is infectious. Another thoroughly enjoyable video 😃
Good for you man, nice to see someone’s dream come true, and Well said, well said.
Awesome story and congrats on your X-men #1. Really enjoyed hearing the success of the wild Archie find. Crossing my fingers for another successful hunt for you.
I could not be happier for you, Mike! This is the best, and most authentic, video I’ve seen in years. Love your channel and you deserve that X-men 1 and MUCH MORE!
Wow thank you so much, I really appreciate that!
Congratulations Mike don't think anyone is going to complain about you spending a big chunk of lunch money on this one . I mean who in there right mind if they had ample opportunity would pass up the Grail book theve always wanted. Awesome stuff
I've watched your channel for over a year. But until now, I've never thought about trying to get my personal grail (Strang Tales 110) in this way. I am truly inspired. Thank you so much for sharing.
Incredible deal! You did very well on that 1.8 that presents better.
Congratulations! That is an amazing presenting copy of X-men #1! I lost my chance to get my copy a few years back before the boom! Holding out for a special find also. I have parlayed some of my other finds into some very nice books but not that big a grail! Someday!
That’s super awesome. Great book! That’s really great that you “hunted” it down with a lot of elbow grease. I feel so great that you are enjoying this amazing book.
Congrats Mike! That's a great story. Very impressive to see that Archie hit a 9.2 and you had a great experience selling it on comic link and being able to. Also in return get your comic book grail
Thanks Dave!
What a great story, Mike. This is the reason why I always watch your channel. You're a great youtubber. Keep up the awesome work.
Congrats man. This looks way better than a 1.8. beautiful cover
congrats on getting your grail!!! I bought an X-Men #1 last year which was an incredible thrill. It was my grail at the time but not biggest book ever as I had bought an ASM #1 a while back which is my all time most desired book. Congrats again as the book does look much nicer than a 1.8
Love it. I do something similar with Magic cards. I am attempting to put together a 7th edition foil set (the most coveted MTG foils) only using money from Magic flips.
That's great! Congratulations, amazing looking book.
Congratulations Mike. Beautiful book. You are correct about the hunt. The joy of finding books that you are looking for but also books that catch your eye. Books you never knew existed. Enjoy your grail!
Congrats Mike! What a fantastic story! I have wondered what ever became of that odd Archie comic you found and now I know. How cool to find such a rarity at an estate sale. Very inspirational. Keep up the great vibes and fun content my friend. Excelsior!
Aha!! I WONDERED if that Golden Age Archie was part of this story! Congratulations, Mike! And thanks for a very entertaining video. Your $5 Archie find was the stuff of comic collector dreams. Happy that you turned it into your grail book!
First CONGRATULATIONS on getting your grail!!! I know what that feels like. The absolute elation finally having "The book" you've been searching for. I'm a comic collector on a budget so I'm always finding ways outside the box to get my hands on books I'm hunting. Whether it be trading for it, with some books I picked up on the cheap, or offering up some one of a kind piece of art (being an amateur artist can have its benefits). Or one day your landlord's kooky niece knocks on your door and hands you a New Mutants 98 in a Huge stack of comics (true story). The finding of the book makes all the work you put in so worth it. Thank you for sharing that awesome story. Enjoy your newest edition to your collection!!!
Dont see a lot of your vids (sorry), but I remember that archie. Great to see the outcome and value of it.
And congratulations on the X1 .. That's amazing :)
Awesome grail, awesome tale. Congrats on the X-Men 1!
Congratulations ! Welcome to the X-men #1 club ! It is a great feeling and I am so happy for you :D Get that one in the vault or something LOL
Wow! 🎉 Congratulations Mike and thanks for the inspirational story. It is very much the trill of the hunt and love the journey as well. I have been learning so much from your journeys and can only hope I'm doing it right. Thanks for the fun!❤
What an incredible story and of course, an awesome grail. Congratulations mike you deserve it! Thanks for sharing your story with all of us 👍
this was an AMAZING story! congratulations!
So happy for you! I am a big X-Men fan and had a #1 that was a 4.0. Sadly I had a midlife crisis and sold my collection in 2005. I regret it until this day. I have rebuilt my collection and now only need #1 and #4 to complete the first ten issues. It's going to be a struggle to obtain another copy of #1. However, as collectors we all know half the fun is the "hunt" and never knowing when you will find the next treasure for your collection. So thrilled for you Lunch Money!!!!!!!!
I’m so happy for you, LMC! What a great comic to have and own. 🔥👏🏻👏🏻
Yes was thinking same thing wow beautiful Bro!!!! Awesomenes
Congratulations….so jealous, but you are a great guy and totally deserve to finally own that grail…hope to have that same luck someday!
That is such a good result for you. The thrill is like a drug. Enjoy your #1.
Omg omg omg! The look on your face brother, it made my eyes watery. I felt what you felt man! I have that same dream of an X-Men 1! I am extremely happy for you brother! Soo freaking cool!
Great video. Thrill of the hunt. Nailed it.
I saw the original video on the estate sale, and mentioned to you thur comment that the archie was a giveaway promo book. Glad you turned it into something memorable.
Yes you were one of the ones who gave me some great info early, I really appreciate it!
Bravo, Mike! Well done. Very inspiring for me to focus my priorities for the rest of 2024.
Never seen your channel before, but... as someone who starved himself as a child to buy comics and see movies, I can sympathize with your tale. Congrats, and best of luck with the rest of the collection!
Truly an inspiring video. Beyond happy for ypu. And big thanks to archie comics! Thanks for sharing
Huge congrats on getting that grail! Your copy is punching way above its grade, it looks fantastic. Every milestone has a collection of seemingly snap decisions that get you that point and its been fun to be a fly on the wall and see it unfold. Enjoy the book and keep it away from sunlight!!
Good video Mike. The most compelling part of this was when you recounted your childhood experiences. Feels like you’ve arrived at an inflection point in your collecting endeavors.
When I was a kid buying comics I thought it was the end of the world when the price went to 12 cents.
What a great story and great video Mike.
I think I might have shared back when I first subscribed to your channel, but our origins are identical. I also come from very humble beginnings. I also would go hungry to save, forage and scrounge literal loose change, to then walk 30 mins in 30° weather, on several occasions through snow, to buy my books. That's when I was about 10, I'm 45 now and I still own and cherish every book I ever bought, every last one.
The serendipity of how you came across this jewel encompasses the spirit and magic of what I find so appealing about this hobby.
I don't collect as much as I used to after recently finishing my runs of ASM and Uncanny, but I enjoy your videos because I relive the thrill of the hunt, the people you meet along the way, and of course the exhilaration of discovering that diamond in the rough, so to speak.
I thank you, God bless you, and good luck!
CONGRATS! Wow! This is also my #1 grail. Love seeing anyone finally own a grail of this magnitude, but because it's X-Men 1, I'm biased as to how cool this is. Thanks for sharing!
Congrats Mike! Great book!
very happy for you Mike. awesome backstory. i've heard the pieces while watching over time but nice to hear it all together and see the final win. keep up the great content. looking forward to following you through the strange and unusual path that leads to your next big PC goal.
Congratulations! You always have the best stories and comic book related content.
congrats on your grail , Mike !!!
Congratulations on your super Grail X-Men book. By the way I have been hearing you say I can't believe I own this book a lot lately you are on a streak. What a wonderful story of how you built up to the book. This is a fantastic show congratulations again.
Congrats! An inspiring tale for all of us!
Great job Mike!!!! Sooo HAPPY FOR YOU BROTHA!!! YOU DESERVE THAT.. Especially because of who you are and what you represent.. I've been a fan of your channel and seen a bit of your journey.. GREAT JOB.. KEEP IT UP¡
What an amazing and inspirational video! It's such a great coincidence that the last video (and my first of your channel) was the one where you got your #2 and #3 grails! (Hulk 181 and the FF 48!) Congratulations again! Not sure if I will ever get my grail( Amazing fantasy #15- huge Spider Man fan) but now I feel like it's more possible than ever and never too late to make it happen! Thanks for the confidence boost! Also noticed that Hulk has been graded! Nice!
What an amazing and inspiring video! I need to rethink the way that I hunt and the way that I run my channel. Thank you so much! And enjoy that X-Men book. A gorgeous copy. You have made my day, sir.
Congrats! What a great looking book, excellent work!
Man I love this!!!! I remember watching that original video when you got the Archie. Very very cool video. I was def that kid in the late 80s early 90s wanting this book. My lcs has a copy for $400 and that seemed like a million dollars at age 12 lol. Nicely done and congrats!!!
Amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing. And of course… congratu-freakin-lations!
BRO this is amazing story and it really gives me hope to be able to obtain some of my grail books one of these days!! Love the channel and everything ya do super happy for ya
Always enjoy your content. So happy for you finding your grail! Excelsior
This made my day what I great story. I remember when you made the flea market video so happy to see you reach your goal and your channel grow. Congratulations keep it up.
I never comment but I enjoy your content so much. This was an excellent video, absolutely incredible and congrats on the grail! Top notch content from a top notch guy.
Thank you so much, and thanks for commenting!
Man! What an absolutely fantastic story! thanks for sharing! I remember when you were hunting for the estate sale and You Came upon that rare Archie comic so cool I'm so happy for you man! can't wait for my story for something similar to yours, so I can share it as well! thanks again man and happy Hunting!
Hello Mike - Love Lunch Money Comics and anxiously wait for your videos every Monday…. My wife who puts up with my hobby, even views your broadcast along side me. Keep up the good work ! Rich G ( a 50 year + comic reader/ collector)
Aw thanks so much Rich!
Super happy for ya! I’m still looking for my 1st ASM 1. Keep up the great work.
Congrats on the grail pick up!!! Thanks for sharing your journey to this grail with us.