About 25 years ago, in the heyday of our comic book business, my dear friend and I were knee-deep in the world of vintage comics. At one point, we owned four stores scattered across South Florida, each one a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Our days were filled with sorting through long boxes, chatting with regulars, and discovering hidden gems from the Golden Age and always buying people's collections. It was more than a business, it was a shared passion that fueled every decision we made.
One ordinary afternoon turned extraordinary when I received a call from a comic book dealer in Orlando. He claimed to have both a Captain America #1
and Sensation Comics #1, the very first appearance of Wonder Woman.
Both were in incredible shape considering their age. When he named his price, I almost dropped the phone. It was reasonable to me, with a little negotiation for two books of that caliber.
Without hesitation, I called my friend and told him we were taking a trip. We packed up, grabbed some snacks, and hit the road. The drive from South Florida to Orlando took about three and a half hours, but time flew as we talked shop and shared our latest finds and funny customer stories.
Once we arrived, we met the dealer at his home, where he had the books in his safe. The moment he placed those books in front of us, time stood still for the both of us. They were even more beautiful than we imagined. After some friendly banter and a few tales from his side of the industry, we completed the deal and were on our way back around ten that night.
Now, most people would call us insane, but we knew what we were doing. On the drive home, we actually read the comics. Yes, we handled them with the utmost care. My friend, after all, was an advisor to one of the most respected comic book price guides at the time. We knew how to preserve every page, how to turn them without stress, how not to "crack" the spine, how to admire the art without leaving a trace. Those few hours with those comics were magical. It was like time-traveling with two of the greatest icons in comic book history sitting right there in our hands.
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