Expert: Brian G. Philbin - 3/22/2009

Question
I BOUGHT BOOK SET PAPER THE HISTORY OF COMIC BOOK 1 AND 2 SIGN AND ONLY 500 WERE MADE I HAVE 301 BOOK IS THIS SET HAVE ANY VALUE

Answer
Hi, Elsa - thanks for your question!

This series has been around since 1970 and a signed version of a limited number would certainly hold some interest for fans.

The history is incomplete, but is one of the first studies of comic book history and would certainly hold some value.  However, how much value is difficult to pin down.  A few pieces of information that you have not included would help determine said value.

Firstly, what was the date of the signing?  If the signing was in the early 70s and the books are from the very first printing, they would hold significant interest.  However, if the signing was recent (any time within the past 25 years), then the books are unlikely to gather much interest because this would not be a first printing.

The age of the books and their significance to Jim Steranko and his place in comic book history and their relationship to the timing of the original printing of the History would be the governing factors as to how valuable the item would be.

A signed first printing of either book (1A and 2A, as they are referred to) would be valued at approximately $30-$35, unsigned, depending on condition.  A verified signed first printing would bring approximately 30%-40% more, or $42-$50 (again, dependent upon condition).

Any later signing would be subject to further scrutiny and dependent upon which printing we're talking about.  The later the printing, the less desirable and the less valuable.

These are all subject to market forces and condition, so I recommend you read my page for beginners, just to ensure you fully understand estimated value, condition and selling opportunities:

www.metropolisplus.com/comicsbasics.htm

Hope that's helpful - let me know if you have any further questions!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin