Expert: Brian G. Philbin - 2/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Two items I recently purchased, I would like to know if they are "worth" more than the sum of their parts are worth.

First is shrink-wrapped "Crossover Classics Collectors Set," which includes reprints of Superman vs the Amazing Spider-Man and Batman vs The Incredible Hulk.  It also includes a preview of Marvel vs. DC.  I have included a scan of this.

The second is a polybagged three-pack of "The X-Files" comics.  The bag isn't labeled, and the first comic in the pack is X-Files #1 "Special Numbered Edition This is 106372 of 120,000."  I can only assume the other two comics in the pack are #s 2 & 3 with  similar labels.  I understand these are 2nd prints.

ANSWER: Hi, Dan - thanks for your question and my apologies for not being here to answer it earlier.

While I really enjoy the two stories that are collected here, sadly, this collected reprint of the DC/Marvel stories is not in great demand.  Maybe around $5 for the book in NM condition.

The X-Files 2nd printing of these comics is a slightly different story.  The numbered edition of the first issue has a poster centerfold in it and retails around $20.00.

They might find a place on eBay or collect.com or comicconnect.com, should you choose to sell them.  See my site below my signature for more information on that kind of thing.

Hope that's helpful!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin
www.metropolisplus.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry Brian, but I'm not sure you understood my question.  Either that or I didn't understand your answer.  One of us didn't understand the other, anyway.

Each of these two items are three (3) books together.  My question: is either set worth more *as a shrinkwrapped or polybagged set* than the three items that make up each set are worth individually?

First item: shrinkwrapped "Crossover Classics Collector's Set" of (1) Superman vs Amazing Spider-Man reprint (listed on comicspriceguide.com as being worth $6 in NM 9.4), (2) Batman vs Hulk reprint ($4), (3) Marvel vs DC preview ($4).  Stipulating to those prices for this question, would the unopened shrinkwrapped set be worth more than $14?  If yes, how much?

Second item: unlabeled polybagged set of (1) X-Files #1 reprint ($25 per comicspriceguide) and two other comics I believe are (2) X-Files #2 reprint ($15) and (3) X-Files #3 reprint ($8.50).  Worth more than $48.50 as an unopened polybagged set?  If yes, how much?

My apologies if you think you already answered this and I'm too dense to understand.

Answer
It was probably my clarity, here, Dan.

The individual units are the only thing of value, here.  Them being in a package in this manner (particularly one that obscures the contents of the rest of the package, as in the case of the X-Files comics) does nothing to enhance their value.  It could, possibly, reduce their inherent value, considering the age of the comics, since the polybag wrap is not Mylar and is, therefore, subject to degradation and might be leaching out into the comics paper.

Hope that clarifies things for you - please let me know if it doesn't

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin