I remember back in the early 70's there was this neighbor. He was in his twenties. Well, he lived at home with his Mom. Did not have a job that I recall, but he would babysit a neighborhood friend now and then. Well, Wayne,(that's his name), would babysit my friend Todd. Sometimes I would be over there, he would make popcorn and we would watch old movies in the afternoon.(Like they used to after school).
Well, it came out that Wayne had started buying comics back in the 50's!!! He had just sold a run of Fantastic Four 1-13 to some collector. This is the early 70's remember.
We talked and I was able to get a hold of FF #14 from him. I also got the Sgt. Fury & His Howing Comandoes, #13, the introduction of Captain America, and perhaps my favorite of all Journey into Mystery, #112 Hulk battling Thor.
All of these in immaculate condition, now in bags on my shelf.
This guy had the Fly, Jaguar and Madhouse from Archie comics. Lots of Tarzan, Turok, Son of Stone, Magnus Robot Fighter, with all those wonderful painted covers. I remember getting and early Showcase, #55? The reintroduction of Dr. Fate and the Hourman to the silver age, fighting Solumon Grundy. Great Murphy Anderson art.
Over the years I would save up money and go and visit Wayne and his hoard of comics. I remember buying Uncle Scrooges and Disney Comics and Stories from him.
He would pencil in the price he wanted on the first page, upper right hand corner.
I remember going down into his basement. Piles and piles of comics everywhere. Archie, DC, Marvel, Dell, etc. He had a little bit of everything.
Everything was in superb condition. Just sitting in piles of at least a 100 - 200 comics, in perfect condition.
You know I have not thought about Wayne in a long time. I wonder what ever happened to his collection. He was to be at least 65.
Maybe I should save up some money and go and see him again....
sigh...
B.