Love ’em or Hate ’em? CGC Signature Series

I guess my dislike for Signature Series books would go all the way back ,to when 10 year old me stupidly signed my name to the top right hand corner of Silver Surfer # 1,2,3, and yes, number 4, only to realize as I became more knowledgeable in the collecting world, that this was a great way to make my books very unattractive to sell or trade. As well as devalue them.

My last column ended with”I don’t like anyone writing on my comics,….not even Stan Lee.”

Daredevil issue 1 CGC Signature Series Stan LeeI guess my dislike for Signature Series books would go all the way back ,to when 10 year old me stupidly signed my name to the top right hand corner of Silver Surfer # 1,2,3, and yes, number 4, only to realize as I became more knowledgeable in the collecting world, that this was a great way to make my books very unattractive to sell or trade. As well as devalue them.

How many times have you seen a very attractive raw Silver Age Key that says all over it,”I’m stupid Dennis’ book”! Now you can insert your name or any other persons name you like in that spot and you probably catch my drift.

Now I do have a signed ASM#47 hanging on my wall with John Romita’s signature and a raw FF# 69 with what is undoubtedly Stan Lee’s signature on it (and no Mike, you can’t have it:) but I look at those as personal mementos, not investments.

Intellectually I understand the value of a 3rd party graded book, signed by the creator. That is different than one signed by me at 10 years old: I get that. But my suggestion to CGC is that since the book is encapsulated and 3rd party guaranteed, why not have the signature done discreetly on the margin of the inside Page 1 Splash!

This way the cover is left pristine to the grade assigned and has the coveted signature of the creator strategically placed as to not mar the book. At least have the option. Maybe you do and I am just unaware of it .

Nothing makes me cringe more than a 9.0 or better book with a big, ugly signature scrawled all over the pristine cover. UGGH!!

Like I said, I don’t like anyone writing on my comics…..not even Stan Lee!

Dennis De Pues
Dennis De Pues

Dennis is an admitted "Son of the Silver Age", having grown up with the influences of Silver Age greats: Kirby, Colan, Romita and Buscema.Three decades later, he is the creator of Crash!! and Galloway Park. More is definitely on the way.

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Tom Berry
Tom Berry
10 years ago

I don’t either. I consider it a defect; particularly on the cover. I wouldn’t mind on the splash page, but not on the front.

Tony P.
Tony P.
10 years ago

I know it’s blasphemy to say this, but I always thought that Stan Lee Signatures are over- rated. The man signs anything put in front of him. And he has been signing for over 40 years.
At the end of the day I guess it’s up to each collectors’ taste.

Ed Dee
Ed Dee
10 years ago

With so many autographs out there, Stan’s signature should be worthless. Somehow, people keep paying for this.

chris elliott
chris elliott
10 years ago

it definitely is a defect , imo ! I do have books in my collection that have signatures , but only on the first page !

KiwiDan
10 years ago

I personally think that it elevates an ugly cover and detracts from a gorgeous cover – simple as that. I have an issue of Batman #450 signed by Marv Wolfman and I think it’s an ugly cover but I love the silver penned signature on the black background.

Dennis De Pues
10 years ago
Reply to  KiwiDan

That is a great point! It does elevate a lower grade book and conversely detracts from the georgeous cover!Well put!

Nestor
Nestor
10 years ago

in general, i don’t like signed books. i did have a copy signed by Wrightson on the first page which didn’t detract from the cover, and only took up blank space at the bottom of the page. i won’t pay a premium for signed copies though. don’t think it’s worth it.

ArcRun
10 years ago

A very good example of your point played out on the comiclink auction last night. There were two Silver Surfer #4 (Thor cover) 9.6 with OWW pages and a similar cut. This is a great John Buscema cover and very popular. One of the two books had a green qualified label with a Stan Lee signature ” Stan Lee 91 “. It is a nice signature in a fairly non obtrusive spot on the cover. The plain cover went for $2411 and the Stan Lee signature cover went for $2000. That is a significant discount for a signature. It does confirm your point Kiwidan.

I wonder what would have happened if the book was in a yellow CGC Signature label vs the green qualified label?

KiwiDan
10 years ago
Reply to  ArcRun

That’s probably my favourite cover ever!!! Definitely would have been keener on the none signed copy in this case.

comictrend
10 years ago

I only collect Signature Series books, so I guess I’m an outlier! I like to think of it as two collections in one. I get to collect the books I love PLUS I get to collect the signatures of the people who made the books I love!

comicdennis De Pues
10 years ago

I think there is plenty of people who feel the same way you do.This theme came up a few times in various comments above.There are an aweful lot of CGC SS books out there so it is obvious that a lot of people like them.Thanks for your insightful comment!

peter
peter
9 years ago

i am not a fan of cgc books anyway they are ment to be read this company cgc. ask yourself this. why do cgc incapsulate comics in a cheap pvc plastic then put it in another cheap plastic outer case if they are good at what they do why is the comic not put inside a myler bag as it is archival material no they seem to cut corners and use cheap crap pvc. as a us dealer made a comment the books will be only good for ten years so why back them does he now somethink we don.t now or are they just going with the flow because of the money involved

Jon
Jon
7 years ago
Reply to  ArcRun

If the book was in a yellow CGC signature label it might have sold higher. It’s hard to accept an autograph as genuine if there’s no proof, and since COAs are now easy to fake, SS labels are the only sure way that an autograph is authentic.

D Fresh
D Fresh
7 years ago

I actually prefer to collect signed books, both CGS SS, slabbed, or unslabbed.

So it would seem as though I follow along comictrend’s comments.
I just enjoy having the signatures of the creative team behind it.
I also do understand that old golden/silver age books not to be signed. Maybe because those books are already so rare, that having one in great condition should be honoured, and a signature on THAT particular book would be less desired?

I don’t know… I’d still get it signed, lol. SO MUCH FOR THAT!