USAGI YOJIMBO #1 COVER ART ON EBAY!

[Usagiska]

HI everyone!

I decided to sell the #1 cover ink art to Usagi!

Check out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 6553648259

[Maka]

Hello Usagiska

Wow, that is beautiful. Good luck on your auction.

And congratulations on the new baby (on the way)! Children make your life richer.

Peace,

maka

[Steve Hubbell]

Fantastic piece of art and Usagi history. And it already has a couple bids. I sure wish I could afford it.

It will be interesting if subsequent bidding passes the initial $2,000 Buy-it-Now price.

Since this is such a one of a kind Usagi collectable, I hope there is no problem with me copying and reproducing the auction pictures on the forum here along with the auction details...

7-day listing, Ends Aug-21-05 21:06:33 PDT
Start time: Aug-14-05 21:06:33 PDT

Item location: Hacienda Heights, California, United States
Featured Plus! Listing

Ships to: Worldwide

Description (revised)
USAGI YOJIMBO COVER INK ART #1!!!! 1986 Here is it, Once in a lifetime opportunity to win the Original ink cover art to USAGI YOJIMBO # 1! I bought this from creator, Stan Sakai many years ago and thought I would never part with it, but with a baby on the way, I have to pay some bills and figure I sell it to another collector and Usagi fan! You'll have bragging rights when you win this #1 cover art! Art is perfect condition! I have stored this in mylar ever since and will include it with art! Art measures 12x18. Beautiful ink art, Stan signature is at the bottom and dated 1986, Amazing! Note my camera pic shows ink border around Usagi as "detached", don't worry, it is only the camera, Line around is uniform. Winner adds $15 for well packed shipping and insurance, Bid with confidence, I have perfect positive feedback. Note I WILL ONLY ACCEPT MONEY ORDERS DRAWN FROM A US BANK IN US DOLLARS FOR THIS AUCTION due to hign fees on paypal and as this is a high end auction. International bidders welcome, I will quote shipping later. Art will be shipped a couple days after I deposit money order just to make sure it clears my account. Thanks!

Abayo

Bid Amount -------- Date of bid

US $2,550.00 ------- Aug-21-05 21:06:28 PDT

US $2,500.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:00:13 PDT

US $2,488.00 ------- Aug-21-05 20:31:34 PDT

US $2,388.00 ------- Aug-21-05 20:30:24 PDT

US $2,237.00 ------- Aug-21-05 20:29:55 PDT

US $2,112.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:00:13 PDT

US $1,987.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:03:29 PDT

US $1,899.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:03:16 PDT

US $1,821.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:03:06 PDT

US $1,771.00 ------- Aug-21-05 17:02:56 PDT

US $1,636.00 ------- Aug-21-05 11:07:00 PDT

US $1,611.00 ------- Aug-21-05 10:39:23 PDT

US $1,587.21 ------- Aug-21-05 10:04:30 PDT

US $1,511.00 ------- Aug-20-05 15:47:31 PDT

US $1,499.00 ------- Aug-21-05 10:04:13 PDT

US $1,421.00 ------- Aug-17-05 14:22:24 PDT

US $1,411.00 ------- Aug-20-05 15:47:18 PDT

US $1,311.00 ------- Aug-20-05 15:47:08 PDT

US $1,211.00 ------- Aug-20-05 15:46:51 PDT

US $1,109.00 ------- Aug-16-05 12:15:12 PDT

US $1,100.00 ------ Aug-17-05 11:04:37 PDT

US $1,050.00 ------- Aug-16-05 11:05:54 PDT

US $900.00 -------- Aug-16-05 10:57:46 PDT

US $850.00 -------- Aug-16-05 10:53:24 PDT

US $753.25 -------- Aug-14-05 23:07:21 PDT

US $631.00 -------- Aug-14-05 23:07:21 PDT

US $621.00 -------- Aug-15-05 09:06:43 PDT

US $600.00 -------- Aug-15-05 07:59:19 PDT

US $545.00 -------- Aug-15-05 03:59:04 PDT

US $525.00 -------- Aug-15-05 03:16:06 PDT

US $500.00 -------- Aug-14-05 23:00:58 PDT

[Steve Hubbell]

Really cool!
the cover art for the first issue of Usagi Yojimbo auctioned off for $2550.00, with the winning bid placed 5 seconds before the close of the auction. That is a whopping $550.00 more for Usagiska than the $2000.00 "buy-it-now" price listed when the piece of art was first put up for sale on Ebay.

Congradulations, Usagiska, on the auction and on the expectant baby.

Abayo...

Anyone want to speculate on how much the original art for Albedo #2 would auction off for? (as if it's owner would ever part with it)

[Stan Sakai]

Wow.

You'll be able to afford to buy diapers for your baby for quite a while. Congratulations on your new child, as well as for the great price you got for the art.

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

[MikeM]

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

I would buy some orignal Stan Sakai artwork for sure!

Ebay scares me. Not sure why.

MikeM

[Becky-Chan]

Wow.

You'll be able to afford to buy diapers for your baby for quite a while. Congratulations on your new child, as well as for the great price you got for the art.

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

eBay is a blessing and a curse. Some days it all goes well and others? Between bad bidders, bad sellers, and eBay's crazy fee system I know many who have bought and sold on eBay got burned and never gone back.

[Steve Hubbell]

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

I would buy some orignal Stan Sakai artwork for sure!

Ebay scares me. Not sure why.

MikeM

In the year and a half or so which I've been registered with Ebay, I have not had any problems (knock on wood). Since I only buy there, it probably saves half the trouble.

The only piece of original art by Stan which I own, not counting convention sketches and such, I bought on Ebay.

My most recent purchases have been some of the hard to find Japanese DVDs, including the five volume Miyamoto Musashi series directed by Uchida Tomu and starring Nakamura Kinnosuke(which I'm really looking forward to) and Goyokin by Hideo Gosha and starring Tatsuya Nakadai in what was supposed to have been the last "Yojimbo" movie before Toshiro Mifune walked out.

Speaking of Hideo Gosha, I also recently bought Three Outlaw Samurai on Ebay and just watched it last night. It was the first movie directed by Gosha (in 1964) and was excellent. I really enjoyed it.

This one is Gosha's first directorial attempt, and what a debut! Though some of the performances are occasionally a bit overwrought, there are also many instances where Gosha reveals his sense of the camera.

Of course, there are Gosha's typical studied camera angles and compositions (you see some interesting "moving camera" work, which significantly predates the attempts of "pioneering" US directors. However, "Sanbiki no samurai" also showcases Gosha's ability to tell a story through facial expressions, rather than simply relying upon dialogue.

Of course, this is all film-school wankery. The bottom line is that "Sanbiki" is a solid and gripping chambara, with a solid morality tale disguised as a cynical amorality tale. (Note that a common theme through many Japanese "chambara" is that of cynical ex-samurai who ultimately decides to risk life and limb for some hopeless but noble "little guy" cause.)

This theme was repeatedly, um, emulated by the likes of Sergio Leone with his spaghetti westerns. However, my point is that such tales are just plain engaging and entertaining. The three actors playing the samurai also turn in great performances. This movie's no exception, despite its early vintage and still "rough around the edges" directorial style.

Viewers new to Hideo Gosha may wish to start with "Goyokin" or "Hitokiri" (a/k/a "Tenchu"), but if you've seen those two already (or if they're already checked out), then this is still a definite movie to catch!

Shiba, a wandering ronin, encounters a band of peasants who have kidnapped the daughter of their dictatorial magistrate, in hopes of coercing from him a reduction in taxes. Shiba takes up their fight, joined by two renegades from the magistrate's guard, Sakura and Kikyo. The three outlaws find themselves in a battle to the death. This is the directorial debut of Gosha Hideo, considered to be the master of samurai action films in Japan. Like his other films to follow, Three Outlaw Samurai reveals an exceptionally strong visual sense in Gosha's direction. Almost every frame is very well composed and effective. The film also contains some of the best choreographed and most graphicall violent swordfighting scenes in the history of the samurai cinema.

As highly rated as Gosha seems to be, for some unknown reason his movies are not being released in US editions like Akira Kurasawa's (Seven Samurai), Hiroshi Inagaki's (Samurai Trilogy, Chushingura), or Masaki Kobayashi's (Hara Kiri, Samurai Rebellion) films are.

[Gaffey]

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

Don't tease us like that. All you need is a nice digital camera or an oversized scanner and you're ready to go.

You could sell sketches, unused covers, prelims etc. That would be great for those of us who just can't seem to make it to a convention.

I would buy some orignal Stan Sakai artwork for sure!

Ebay scares me. Not sure why.

MikeM

It's not bad if you work with a reputable seller/buyer. I've been on eBay for 6 years and have yet to have a problem (350 transactions). I guess I'll also "KNOCK ON WOOD"

[MikeM]

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

Don't tease us like that. All you need is a nice digital camera or an oversized scanner and you're ready to go.

You could sell sketches, unused covers, prelims etc. That would be great for those of us who just can't seem to make it to a convention.

I would buy some orignal Stan Sakai artwork for sure!

Ebay scares me. Not sure why.

MikeM

It's not bad if you work with a reputable seller/buyer. I've been on eBay for 6 years and have yet to have a problem (350 transactions). I guess I'll also "KNOCK ON WOOD"

Or, Stan could sell artwork here! I would buy some for sure!

As for ebay, I get scared because I know of some folks who have gotten screwed. Like my one friend who has only used it twice and got screwed twice.

[Maka]

It makes me think about selling stuff on e-bay.

eBay is a blessing and a curse. Some days it all goes well and others? Between bad bidders, bad sellers, and eBay's crazy fee system I know many who have bought and sold on eBay got burned and never gone back.

I've been a member of eBay since 1998. I've been burned 3 times from bidders who didn't pay and twice by buyers who said they sent an item I've won, but it never arrived. But I've also sold and bought more than 400 items since 1998. While eBay not perfect, I like eBay as it has allowed me to pick up some things (like Ted McKeever's Eddy Current comics and the UY baseball hat ) that are very hard to find in my area. I've also been able to sell things for better prices than I would get locally (A complete M:TG collectors set).

I think this particular cover did exceptionally well because it was a key piece in UY history. The cover of UY #1 is a no-brainer as far as collectables go. The Overstreet Price Guide this year had several articles on how Albedo #2 is going for 2 to 3 time guide (Listed NM = $250.). We know in the last month a non-graded Albedo #2 [who know's what condition it really was in] sold for $800 on eBay. The fact the Albedo #2 in "fine" condition sold (as a "buy it now" auction) for $119 shows that the first appearance of UY is HOT in any condition (economics 101: supply and demand). UY is finally being recognized (with $$$) by collectors. As long as Mr. Sakai continues his excellent storytelling and productivity, I believe this particular piece of art will increase in value (especially because original art is very limited supply because Mr. Sakai doesn't sell any original art from the series).

UY is unique comic in that it is almost completely created by one man (from writer/pencils/inks/lettering/covers) for over 21 years. I've said it before, I can't think of any other comic artist (Okay, Charles Schultz was a comic strip god) who has the skill, creativity, consistency and business success (four publishers - come on! No regular comic will survive that) of Mr. Sakai. Not Frank Miller. Not Dave Sim. Not Jack Kirby. Okay maybe Will Eisner (but I haven't read the Spirit, so I don't know for sure).

Mr. Sakai is in a class all by himself.

Random thoughts:

1) There will always be people who want to capitalize on this growing UY fan base who is willing to spend their $$$ on UY rare collectibles. In fact, as these UY auctions realize more and more profit, we will see an increase in those who buy original art or rare collectibles at conventions just to turn around and sell them for a quick profit. People are motivated to make money.

2) I love that Mr. Sakai ofters to sell original covers and ink drawing at conventions and some appearances. When I bought an original piece of art from Stan in Monterey Park, I knew my hard earned money was going to one of my heroes.

3) As far as Mr. Sakai selling art on eBay, I have mixed feelings:

Pros:
a) Not everyone can make it to a convention to meet Mr. Sakai in person and buy from him. Selling on eBay could allow those fans who are wealthy enough to bid high the opportunity to own original art.
b) Mr. Sakai would get fair market value for his work.
c) Mr. Sakai profits from his work vs. those looking to make a quick buck.

Cons:
a) Not many comic artist sell there own art on eBay. I'd hate for Mr. Sakai to be perceived as "pimping" his art on eBay (that sounds really crude - I mean no offense).
b) Spectators may drive the price beyond what true UY fans can afford (such as the recent rise in value Albedo #2 comics). Can you tell I'm bitter?

But in the end, whatever allows Mr. Sakai the ability to continue to produce the UY comic on a consistent basis is what I want. I want more Usagi Yojimbo stories!

Peace,

maka

[Wily Pueo]

I don't pay attention for a couple weeks and I miss all the eBay excitement. With eBay, sometimes it is luck. It only takes two people who really want the one item to drive the price up.

[Usagiska]

HI Stan,

Thanks for letting me purchase it from you. I have enjoyed owning it.

If you are not too busy, would love for you to come and do another classroom visit. My former students who got to see you draw a couple years ago remember you well and mention how fun they had seeing you draw!

Mike

[Stan Sakai]

If you are not too busy, would love for you to come and do another classroom visit. My former students who got to see you draw a couple years ago remember you well and mention how fun they had seeing you draw!

Mike

Hi Mike,

I'm already booked up through July 2006. I try not to do more than one trip or presentation a month. This helps me keep on deadline, and lets me do family things like going to crosscountry/track meets, Boy Scouts stuff, and kids' school events.

My schedule right now is:

Sept-Anime Weekend Atlanta
October-Seattle Public Libraries
Clairboune School, San Marino
Nov-San Diego
Dec-Monterey Park, CA
Hawaii
Jan-Cal State Pomona
Feb-Cynlee's school
March-I-Con, New York
April-Kawaii Kon, Hawaii
May-Europe (tentative)
National Cartoonists Society weekend
June-Pittsburgh
July-San Diego

[Fanfan]

Wow Mr Sakai, you are always travelling and Usagi is always so regular, i wonder how many hours there is in one of your day (with your family, the dojo, and so on) you mustn't sleep very much !

That is really great that you come see children in schools !
What do they usually ask you ? do you give a drawing lesson ?

I hope you will come in France in 2006 , i will try to go to Angouleme...