It’s an enjoyable series to be sure, I’m glad that you list some books on the foundational series that most collectors can afford. There are so many other TH-camrs out there that show books for thousands of dollars or more and that’s just not really within reach of a lot of basic collectors for modern type books anymore.
I may do a video on the idea of Foundational Books vs Hot books of the week. I was talking to a friend about it and I think it needs to happen. I don't want to discourage anyone from watching those channels that do that stuff, but it's probably burnt out more people than it's helped.
Such a great series of videos! One of my favorites on the Tube. Keep up the good work!! Foundational book bingo score for this video- 3/5. I must do better!!
Great series! Completely changed the way I’m collecting now. I have some sort of direction. And its easier to hunt for those books also. I’m already happier with the latest results! Sam from Canada 🇨🇦
Sam! That’s great news. Having a focus will more often than not result in a more satisfying collection. It’s ok to stray every once in awhile, but for the most part stick to your list. Good stuff my friend.
Brother it's so refreshing to see you in the community again. I watched your video stream from the other night. Great stuff and awesome again to see you!
Hey Alex!!! Long time no talk!!! I was just talking about foundation books to my supervisor who is getting into collecting comics. It made me realize that I myself am missing some of these foundation books. I've been recently been creating a "wish list" of books that I'd love to have or have back in my collection. Great video I'm definitely going to check out your previous videos and get to hunting!!!
Eddie!!! To me, you are basically a foundational comic book community member. I’ve been missing the old days more and more lately and you were a huge part of those memories. Hope you are well my friend.
Really enjoy the foundational videos! Totally agree with the Hulk 340. I like that newsstand btw! Picked up 2 of those in a 9.6 at great prices and that book will never tank. As a matter of fact, I am going after all of the McFarlane Hulks...and pretty much everything McFarlane, pre-Image. Anything that dude did before Image is a rock solid buy (Infinity Inc, All Star Squadron 47 (I think), Amazing Spider-man, Spider-man, Batman, Coyote 11/12, etc). I think going after artists firsts is also a solid buy. Example - Samurai Santa for Jim Lee or an Alpha Flight 51. You should consider a video on the topic.
I agree with all. For some reason DC presents 87 has been a favorite of my since reading as a young teen. Heartbreaking to see where DC took a good wholesome character in this case. But I agree, infinity Crisis was an interesting read. Good list.
I actually just got both Uncanny X-Men #130 & #135 and was literally holding up my favorite Phoenix cover (X-Men #56 homage cover) when you pulled it up on screen. Even though (1st app.) Dazzler is the bigger key...Jean Grey's eyes on this cover is what has made it a sought after book for me. Also the trade dress on #136 is somewhat "healing " from her crushing it on this issue. Great finds!
Here in the southeast, your raw prices are about half what we regularly sale for. Lol. Just this week I sold two of the Dazzler and one of the Phoenix you showed for 100+ each. Granted, they were in excellent condition.
Yeah. I can see that. Prices are crazy sometimes and hard to judge. I usually go off what I paid plus look at eBay comps, but those have a huge variance as well.
Hello Alex, I really enjoy watching your foundational series. I have a suggestion for you, like the Incredible Hulk 340, there's nothing significant in that comic but the cover itself. Have you considered doing a foundational top five based on the cover alone, no spec, no first appearances, no deaths just the cover. I don't know about you Alex, but sometimes I run across a comic book and every time I see it I have to pick it up, well in my case it's Green Lantern 49 (Hal Jordan with Lantern rings)I have five copies what a cover.
Wasn’t STL Comics one of the 1st places to go wide on the internet a long time back detailing all of the marvel 30 & 35 cent test market price variants? I don’t think the site has been maintained for years now but I’m a PV collector & that was the 1st site I found comprehensive info on for them. Glad to hear the store is still in business. Great vid btw.
$3900 for a 9.8 Hulk seems like a seller induced inflated market tactic. Like the UF4 Acetate for $35k is an example of that. I like eBay and all, but when a sell is recorded, eBay never includes if the payment was made or not. It manipulates the market heavily.
Lots of welcome news. I am only missing the Superman book on this list. In fact, I have doubles of the X-Men Phoenix book and the Hulk book. Then my wife says yeah they’re worth a lot of money are you going to sell? And I say no of course not. If I sell it then I will be missing that book. Then I would have to go get another copy. It’s a vicious cycle. Paper crack. And I’m addicted.
Some are foundations are questionable. Superboy prime is not one I would consider because of historical similarities to OG Superboy. As an iconic villain is hard to see. What’s that old saying, if you live long enough, then you become the villain? Thank you for your sharing.
Really enjoying your foundational book recommendations! Just getting back into collecting and it gives me tooo many ideas about what to pick up next! Haha. Do you store all your books in the top loaders and in a long box? Thanks for the content!
Thanks for the compliment. I hope I am helping you and not making your brain hurt! I only keep the foundational, my favorite covers or anything that is over $30ish.
Hey Alex. I've watched a few videos where the mylar top loaders are used to protect/store key comics. What are your thoughts on the hard plastic covers that open like a book and you can place the comic inside? Are they any good? Thanks for whatever advise you can offer
340 is definitely a foundation book. It’s iconic, but I will agree not sure about Superboy prime….that one is the first book that I’ve really put on the list, because of my interest in it.
I love all these books so much 😍 I have all of 'em except one -- I'm still trying to get my X-Men #130 keeper copy. I'm one of the few Marvel fans crying out for a Dazzler omnibus (even though I keep preordering all the Marvel Master Works as they announce them 😆). I need another Hulk #340 actually, my last one was a keeper CGC 7.5 but I'd love to sell a 9.0 or higher. It's hard to get that book under $250 around here. Never selling my 7.5, that's the grade I usually aim for as keeper Bronze & Copper Age books.
"Foundational Books" = Minor Key Gas 🙄 can we not make up new terms for the purpose of content? There's already enough out there for new people to learn... teach them THAT. If it's already been done before, do it better. Maybe teach them condition like VF- to NM- instead of "upper mid grade" 🤦🏽♂️
I would strongly disagree that this is not important. Every single channel out there is talking about speculation and hot book of the week. I say that is crap and stop chasing that stuff. We need to focus and foundational comic books is a perfect way to do that. If you don’t like it I understand, but it’s a movement to try and stay away from the top 10 lists of the week that people will regret owning in 2 years.
I love your foundational books series. I really like books that don't depend on spec and movies/tv shows. They are just good comic books.
Yep! These might go up or get “hot” due to a movie, but regardless they will always be universally recognized as keys.
You hit the nail on the head “ not dependent on movie hype” those are the best books to have! Just picked up the X-men 135 last month, iconic cover!
It’s an enjoyable series to be sure, I’m glad that you list some books on the foundational series that most collectors can afford. There are so many other TH-camrs out there that show books for thousands of dollars or more and that’s just not really within reach of a lot of basic collectors for modern type books anymore.
Awesome books that I also have in my PC. And I would agree. Get them if you dont already. Cool books. Enjoy them and good job on the video.
I keep seeing DC Infinite Crissis books popping up on TH-cam videos. I will definitely be searching for that series!
love the content! got mine 340 recently and i love it too!
Every empire needs a strong foundation, keep up the good work Sir.
My friend!!! Amen to that and thank for the encouragement!
Great video and thanks for all the edits keeping it fast paced, love it!
You’re very welcome. I really do try to cut out as much unnecessary stuff as possible. Thanks for noticing.
One of my favorite comic book shops
Same! It’s so awesome there. They have the best books and the best prices.
All great books Alex! Phoenix Saga 🔥🔥🔥
Snupps!!!!!!!
Thanks for this. Great series.
Really glad you are enjoying! Thanks
I really like this series, definitely better than the hype train that hot top tens usually are.
I may do a video on the idea of Foundational Books vs Hot books of the week. I was talking to a friend about it and I think it needs to happen. I don't want to discourage anyone from watching those channels that do that stuff, but it's probably burnt out more people than it's helped.
@@AlextheComicHoarder sounds like a great idea. I agree, chasing the hot books and fomo can leave a bad taste for some collectors.
Such a great series of videos! One of my favorites on the Tube. Keep up the good work!! Foundational book bingo score for this video- 3/5. I must do better!!
HAHA. BINGO. As long as it isn't shots of vodka every time we have the same book. That would be dangerous!
@@AlextheComicHoarder It would be Jameson. I’m not a monster.
Great series! Completely changed the way I’m collecting now. I have some sort of direction. And its easier to hunt for those books also. I’m already happier with the latest results!
Sam from Canada 🇨🇦
Sam! That’s great news. Having a focus will more often than not result in a more satisfying collection. It’s ok to stray every once in awhile, but for the most part stick to your list. Good stuff my friend.
Another awesome video Alex! you're hitting it Outta the park with this series.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you for all the support!
Love the foundational books 🙌, I need to start collecting more bronze and copper x men.
Love Superboy Prime story line, feel it is up there with as of the best
Great picks! Disarming Panel! Yikes! I like the LEGO Variant of that 5th Book.
Brother it's so refreshing to see you in the community again. I watched your video stream from the other night. Great stuff and awesome again to see you!
Thanks so much Alex.
Hey Alex!!! Long time no talk!!! I was just talking about foundation books to my supervisor who is getting into collecting comics. It made me realize that I myself am missing some of these foundation books. I've been recently been creating a "wish list" of books that I'd love to have or have back in my collection. Great video I'm definitely going to check out your previous videos and get to hunting!!!
Eddie!!! To me, you are basically a foundational comic book community member. I’ve been missing the old days more and more lately and you were a huge part of those memories. Hope you are well my friend.
@@AlextheComicHoarder I appreciate you saying that Alex. Thank you!!!
Awesome series! I have Uncanny XMen 135-136 being held for me at my LCS. On the hunt for these other books now
Awesome. I am hunting down 136. I love 135-137. They are so cool together.
Really enjoy the foundational videos!
Totally agree with the Hulk 340. I like that newsstand btw!
Picked up 2 of those in a 9.6 at great prices and that book will never tank. As a matter of fact, I am going after all of the McFarlane Hulks...and pretty much everything McFarlane, pre-Image. Anything that dude did before Image is a rock solid buy (Infinity Inc, All Star Squadron 47 (I think), Amazing Spider-man, Spider-man, Batman, Coyote 11/12, etc).
I think going after artists firsts is also a solid buy. Example - Samurai Santa for Jim Lee or an Alpha Flight 51. You should consider a video on the topic.
Always enjoy your videos Alex. Definitely love you foundational vids.
Thank you for watching! I am so glad you enjoy it and I have another one on deck that will be out this month.
Good vid. Back in the day, it was all about the X-Men.
I love the term foundational books
I agree with all. For some reason DC presents 87 has been a favorite of my since reading as a young teen. Heartbreaking to see where DC took a good wholesome character in this case. But I agree, infinity Crisis was an interesting read. Good list.
I agree he was very wholesome. I think that is why he was so easily manipulated by Alexander. Crazy stuff either way.
Just got the full Weapon X series last month. Great 5 man.
Awesome classic series! Thanks for watching!!!
I actually just got both Uncanny X-Men #130 & #135 and was literally holding up my favorite Phoenix cover (X-Men #56 homage cover) when you pulled it up on screen. Even though (1st app.) Dazzler is the bigger key...Jean Grey's eyes on this cover is what has made it a sought after book for me. Also the trade dress on #136 is somewhat "healing " from her crushing it on this issue. Great finds!
I'll have to look closer at 136! I love that. Great minds my friend!!! We think alike!
Great picks you know I love the X-Men ❤
Here in the southeast, your raw prices are about half what we regularly sale for. Lol. Just this week I sold two of the Dazzler and one of the Phoenix you showed for 100+ each. Granted, they were in excellent condition.
Yeah. I can see that. Prices are crazy sometimes and hard to judge. I usually go off what I paid plus look at eBay comps, but those have a huge variance as well.
Another solid video. Are there indie foundational books that you like?
Hello Alex, I really enjoy watching your foundational series. I have a suggestion for you, like the Incredible Hulk 340, there's nothing significant in that comic but the cover itself. Have you considered doing a foundational top five based on the cover alone, no spec, no first appearances, no deaths just the cover. I don't know about you Alex, but sometimes I run across a comic book and every time I see it I have to pick it up, well in my case it's Green Lantern 49 (Hal Jordan with Lantern rings)I have five copies what a cover.
Great suggestion! Love the Foundational Cover Only Book idea! Very good stuff. I'll see if I can come up with a top 5 list.
I love that idea too I would definitely watch that
That’s a great idea! I’m submitting my humble vote for Spectacular Spider-man 101.
@@michaelbolduc7980 Thats a great John Byrne copper classic cover!!
Wasn’t STL Comics one of the 1st places to go wide on the internet a long time back detailing all of the marvel 30 & 35 cent test market price variants? I don’t think the site has been maintained for years now but I’m a PV collector & that was the 1st site I found comprehensive info on for them. Glad to hear the store is still in business. Great vid btw.
All great book. 👍
Love your show
$3900 for a 9.8 Hulk seems like a seller induced inflated market tactic. Like the UF4 Acetate for $35k is an example of that. I like eBay and all, but when a sell is recorded, eBay never includes if the payment was made or not. It manipulates the market heavily.
Lots of welcome news. I am only missing the Superman book on this list. In fact, I have doubles of the X-Men Phoenix book and the Hulk book. Then my wife says yeah they’re worth a lot of money are you going to sell? And I say no of course not. If I sell it then I will be missing that book. Then I would have to go get another copy. It’s a vicious cycle. Paper crack. And I’m addicted.
Haha. My wife says the same thing. I tell her that a book is worth a certain amount and she immediately asks if I’m going to sell it.
Can you start that wall already? Some sweet books.
I know...every time I think I'm going to do it after this next video. I get more books and say...after this next next video. haha
Some are foundations are questionable. Superboy prime is not one I would consider because of historical similarities to OG Superboy. As an iconic villain is hard to see. What’s that old saying, if you live long enough, then you become the villain? Thank you for your sharing.
Really enjoying your foundational book recommendations! Just getting back into collecting and it gives me tooo many ideas about what to pick up next! Haha. Do you store all your books in the top loaders and in a long box? Thanks for the content!
Thanks for the compliment. I hope I am helping you and not making your brain hurt! I only keep the foundational, my favorite covers or anything that is over $30ish.
Hey Alex. I've watched a few videos where the mylar top loaders are used to protect/store key comics. What are your thoughts on the hard plastic covers that open like a book and you can place the comic inside? Are they any good? Thanks for whatever advise you can offer
I can see that being very handy. I’m always covering my books on both sides when I read them anyways. That would be a cool tool for collectors.
Doh, I have that Hulk comic, but it's in bad condition since I bought it as a kid. Oh well!
Love comics
Well. You’re in the right place!!!
Superboy prime . . . Is he the pocket universe “hero” the Time Trapper kept sending the LSH to instead of the classic Superboy?
Those hard back covers plastic you had them books in, what are they called?
Hey Man question where do you buy that toploader
I get mine at 217 Comics in Springfield IL. You can probably find them online like Amazon or eBay too.
@@AlextheComicHoarder what’s the brand
@@vannygorge ultra pro.
Newsstands of 340 have gone for 4k
DC Comics Presents 87 as a foundational book...no.
Hulk 340 as a foundational book...no.
I'll give you the other 3
340 is definitely a foundation book. It’s iconic, but I will agree not sure about Superboy prime….that one is the first book that I’ve really put on the list, because of my interest in it.
👍💯🔥
I love all these books so much 😍 I have all of 'em except one -- I'm still trying to get my X-Men #130 keeper copy. I'm one of the few Marvel fans crying out for a Dazzler omnibus (even though I keep preordering all the Marvel Master Works as they announce them 😆).
I need another Hulk #340 actually, my last one was a keeper CGC 7.5 but I'd love to sell a 9.0 or higher. It's hard to get that book under $250 around here. Never selling my 7.5, that's the grade I usually aim for as keeper Bronze & Copper Age books.
"Foundational Books" = Minor Key Gas 🙄 can we not make up new terms for the purpose of content? There's already enough out there for new people to learn... teach them THAT. If it's already been done before, do it better. Maybe teach them condition like VF- to NM- instead of "upper mid grade" 🤦🏽♂️
I would strongly disagree that this is not important. Every single channel out there is talking about speculation and hot book of the week. I say that is crap and stop chasing that stuff. We need to focus and foundational comic books is a perfect way to do that. If you don’t like it I understand, but it’s a movement to try and stay away from the top 10 lists of the week that people will regret owning in 2 years.
How come some of those Hulk 340 comics have a bar code at the bottom and some have a pic of spider man's face?