eBay's guide to "Collecting Usagi Yojimbo"
Moderators: Mayhem, Steve Hubbell, Moderators
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Steve Hubbell
- Taisho
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I ran across this previously, and neat as it is, I still get a laugh out of #7:
And I always thought (but could easily be wrong) Book #4 was the hard one to find because of the inclusion of the water-color story Return to Adachigahara. It was the one volume I was considering possibly buying, until The Art of Usagi Yojimbo Twentieth Anniversary Book finally reprinted the story.
Has there even been a subscription offer available for Usagi Yojimbo since it was published by Mirage?7. I can't say this enough: GET A SUBSCRIPTION TO USAGI!!! It is the best way to insure the continued publication of Usagi Yojimbo by a major publisher (Dark Horse) and to guarantee less time hunting down back issues.
And I always thought (but could easily be wrong) Book #4 was the hard one to find because of the inclusion of the water-color story Return to Adachigahara. It was the one volume I was considering possibly buying, until The Art of Usagi Yojimbo Twentieth Anniversary Book finally reprinted the story.
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Todd Shogun
- Shogun
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Dark Horse has never offered a subscription to Usagi or any other comics, but such a thing is no longer necessary these days. You can pre-order upcoming issues from places like TFAW and Westfield and create your own manual subscription. Also, you can probably create your own auto subscriptions over at MailOrderComics. The books usually cost less (in some cases under $2) if you pre-order from these places, but shipping may eat up that discount.
Technically, Book 4 should be the easiest to find because the print run was much much higher than the subsequent volumes that went hardcover, despite the inclusion of the color section. The reason why it might be difficult to find at times is because it was the first Usagi HC ever produced without a softcover edition alongside it (the SC edition came out later with an entirely different cover -- probably adding to the scarcity of for-sale copies of the HC). Other HC editions were produced alongside or after the SC editions, with often little differences, making them less coveted. The exception here is of course Book 3 HC, which had that really cool cover of Jei and Usagi (the original SC had a totally different cover of Usagi and Spot). I think the new SC has the Usagi/Jei painting.
I haven't followed eBay a whole lot, but one reason why this observer classifies Book 4 as easiest to find could be because the SC version of Book 4 is now readily available. Combine that with the Return to Adachi Plain color section available in the Art of UY, the owners of Book 4 HC are more apt to sell their copies of Book 4HC to make money and downsize to the more affordable SC version. There are a lot more owners of Book 4 HC out there than any other HC.
Technically, Book 4 should be the easiest to find because the print run was much much higher than the subsequent volumes that went hardcover, despite the inclusion of the color section. The reason why it might be difficult to find at times is because it was the first Usagi HC ever produced without a softcover edition alongside it (the SC edition came out later with an entirely different cover -- probably adding to the scarcity of for-sale copies of the HC). Other HC editions were produced alongside or after the SC editions, with often little differences, making them less coveted. The exception here is of course Book 3 HC, which had that really cool cover of Jei and Usagi (the original SC had a totally different cover of Usagi and Spot). I think the new SC has the Usagi/Jei painting.
I haven't followed eBay a whole lot, but one reason why this observer classifies Book 4 as easiest to find could be because the SC version of Book 4 is now readily available. Combine that with the Return to Adachi Plain color section available in the Art of UY, the owners of Book 4 HC are more apt to sell their copies of Book 4HC to make money and downsize to the more affordable SC version. There are a lot more owners of Book 4 HC out there than any other HC.
I have to disagree with #1. That Overstreet guide probably does reflect the true value of Albedo #2, but fans jack up the prices on ebay to make more money.
Its like that big car auction that goes around today...they have completely skewed the value of older cars. Classic cars that went for ten grand just five years ago are now going for a hundred. Its getting out of hand.
Just because on auction the book goes for $1000 doesn't mean its worth that much.
Its like that big car auction that goes around today...they have completely skewed the value of older cars. Classic cars that went for ten grand just five years ago are now going for a hundred. Its getting out of hand.
Just because on auction the book goes for $1000 doesn't mean its worth that much.
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shaxper
- Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
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Well, Overstreet USED to grossly undervalue Usagi. When I first started getting obsessive about Usagi back in 1998, Overstreet said Albedo #2 was worth $3. I decided I wanted the issue enough to pay a full $15 to get it. BOY was I surprised when I hit ebay looking for one!
As for subscriptions and preorders, starting a pull list with your local comic shop is just as effective a way to boost Usagi sales. When you set up a pull list, you're telling the store owner to order an extra copy just for you. No need to go to a major distributor to do this. Support your local shops!
Incidentally, I'm assuming this guide was written by a Dojo member (particularly since he/she discusses the Dojo forum in some detail). We should consider this when discussing the guide's merrits and flaws.
As for subscriptions and preorders, starting a pull list with your local comic shop is just as effective a way to boost Usagi sales. When you set up a pull list, you're telling the store owner to order an extra copy just for you. No need to go to a major distributor to do this. Support your local shops!
Incidentally, I'm assuming this guide was written by a Dojo member (particularly since he/she discusses the Dojo forum in some detail). We should consider this when discussing the guide's merrits and flaws.
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Shadowfax
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
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prices
Estee notes:
But the second falacy is that the book is not worth $1,000 Many times in the past two years it has sold on Ebay for over that price, which means that every time it does so, at least *two* collectors or fans thought it was worth that price = the winner, and the next highest bidder! Simple market economics say the book is worth what fans are willing to pay.
Probably true that Albedo #2 is not worth $1,000 to you, Estee. I know it is not worth that much to me (but *only* because I do not have that sort of cash to spend on a comic book).
Same economics as antique cars. I have a friend who restores them, and his prize winning 1920's Jordan Playboy is probably worth those 6 figures, about 100 times what he paid for it years ago. But as he points out; you can't get them anymore!
best of luck finding a bargain bin full of Albedo #2, and as my friend often says, "let me know if its more than you can handle!"
sincerely,
Shadowfax
Two falacies here, I'm afraid. Fans *do* jack up prices by bidding on desirable items. But fans do not make the money here, dealers do. The interesting thing about Ebay is that dealers have limited control over how much money they will make. They can set a minimum price, and when they list Albedo #2 for $2,000 they can go seek . . .fans jack up the prices on ebay to make more money.
Just because on auction the book goes for $1000 doesn't mean its worth that much.
But the second falacy is that the book is not worth $1,000 Many times in the past two years it has sold on Ebay for over that price, which means that every time it does so, at least *two* collectors or fans thought it was worth that price = the winner, and the next highest bidder! Simple market economics say the book is worth what fans are willing to pay.
Probably true that Albedo #2 is not worth $1,000 to you, Estee. I know it is not worth that much to me (but *only* because I do not have that sort of cash to spend on a comic book).
Same economics as antique cars. I have a friend who restores them, and his prize winning 1920's Jordan Playboy is probably worth those 6 figures, about 100 times what he paid for it years ago. But as he points out; you can't get them anymore!
best of luck finding a bargain bin full of Albedo #2, and as my friend often says, "let me know if its more than you can handle!"
sincerely,
Shadowfax
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Todd Shogun
- Shogun
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I don't know what to think. Overstreet has been seemingly wrong about Albedo and Usagi since before I could remember. I always believed they had no business quoting comic book values that are obviously, grossly misstated. The value of the book is what others have and would be willing to pay for it...or is it? Could the book's value be overinflated? $2000+ does seem rather excessive for a comic that isn't really too difficult to find (pops up on eBay all the time). Even at half that you have to wonder what people are thinking...
I often wonder how Overstreet values comics like Albedo NR 2. Are they comparing it to similar comics released in that time period (like TMNT #1 or Cerebus #1)? Are they using the fact that 2000 copies were printed and that a typical issue of Usagi sells about 5000-6000 copies a month? That's only 2-3X more copies than Albedo NR 2. Doesn't seem so rare when you put it into perspective.
It's the die-hard UY fans themselves who set those ultra-high prices, not the comics industry. A lot of them can probably easily afford to pay the prices too. But try selling the book to a non-UY fan collector for that much and they will probably baulk at you.
It's hard to say. It's not like comparing to an Action Comics #1 or Amazing Fantasy #15. Even non-Super/Spiderman fans can understand why those comics are valued as they are.
I often wonder how Overstreet values comics like Albedo NR 2. Are they comparing it to similar comics released in that time period (like TMNT #1 or Cerebus #1)? Are they using the fact that 2000 copies were printed and that a typical issue of Usagi sells about 5000-6000 copies a month? That's only 2-3X more copies than Albedo NR 2. Doesn't seem so rare when you put it into perspective.
It's the die-hard UY fans themselves who set those ultra-high prices, not the comics industry. A lot of them can probably easily afford to pay the prices too. But try selling the book to a non-UY fan collector for that much and they will probably baulk at you.
It's hard to say. It's not like comparing to an Action Comics #1 or Amazing Fantasy #15. Even non-Super/Spiderman fans can understand why those comics are valued as they are.
mile high comics as a resource
Dear Readers,
I am not advertising for Mile high comics.
His website is an awesome tool for estimates and info on covers and issue numbers.
My current rule of thumb is half his asking price is reasonable in my mind for what i want to pay.
I am one of the buyers who will pay higher than reasonable prices because how often do these items come around?
I can go without food for a few days...
Here is his take on Albedo prices:
http://www.milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/b ... &snumber=1
Best wishes to all!
go
ps i am looking for a albedo 0 with the yellow cover......
I am not advertising for Mile high comics.
His website is an awesome tool for estimates and info on covers and issue numbers.
My current rule of thumb is half his asking price is reasonable in my mind for what i want to pay.
I am one of the buyers who will pay higher than reasonable prices because how often do these items come around?
I can go without food for a few days...
Here is his take on Albedo prices:
http://www.milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/b ... &snumber=1
Best wishes to all!
go
ps i am looking for a albedo 0 with the yellow cover......
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Mayhem
- Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
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Just because an item may not be ultra ultra rare, and turns up on eBay every so often, does not mean that it can't be worth something. It's just the simple case of supply and demand. The price hasn't levelled off for Albedo #2 because there are always more people wanting it than there are actually issues of the thing.
I am tempted to relate it to video game collecting here. There are several RPGs for the SNES, to use an example, such as Chrono Trigger and the two Final Fantasies, that regularly sell for more than other SNES titles that are a lot harder to find. Why? Because the games are good and they are always in demand even though they are quite (relatively) easy to find.
Price is always dictated by what someone is willing to pay. When you have eBay and an auction system, it will only take two determined individuals to boost the price up. Evidently in the last few times of auction, people have been willing to pay the prices in question because that's what they've bid up to.
Either way, it's making my purchase of issues 0-14 for $860 quite worthwhile I think...
I am tempted to relate it to video game collecting here. There are several RPGs for the SNES, to use an example, such as Chrono Trigger and the two Final Fantasies, that regularly sell for more than other SNES titles that are a lot harder to find. Why? Because the games are good and they are always in demand even though they are quite (relatively) easy to find.
Price is always dictated by what someone is willing to pay. When you have eBay and an auction system, it will only take two determined individuals to boost the price up. Evidently in the last few times of auction, people have been willing to pay the prices in question because that's what they've bid up to.
Either way, it's making my purchase of issues 0-14 for $860 quite worthwhile I think...
With a breeze comes a storm, but then you'll all be washed away...
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mikeytuba
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 17:46 -0700
- Location: Southeast US
Hello all!
I originally posted this guide on Ebay as simply that, a guide.
I remember (pre-Ebay 1990-ish) asking around for this book (Albedo #2) at comic shops and cons and being told prices ranging from $500 to one guy who quoted me $1500! Ebay has made it much easier to find one, provided your funds are limitless.
When I said get a subscription, I did not mean direct from Dark Horse. That meant going to your local comic shop and requesting Usagi. I thought that would be understood?
At any rate, I do put in a plug for the Dojo though I don't always have the time myself to post. It is very nice to see such a well-maintained site dedicated to Usagi.
I requested any corrections PLEASE be sent to me. For instance, is the Art of Usagi Yojimbo: 20th Anniversary a limited/signed edition? No one has ever written me to let me know. My copy isn't, but does it exist?
Thanks and best to everyone!
I originally posted this guide on Ebay as simply that, a guide.
I remember (pre-Ebay 1990-ish) asking around for this book (Albedo #2) at comic shops and cons and being told prices ranging from $500 to one guy who quoted me $1500! Ebay has made it much easier to find one, provided your funds are limitless.
When I said get a subscription, I did not mean direct from Dark Horse. That meant going to your local comic shop and requesting Usagi. I thought that would be understood?
At any rate, I do put in a plug for the Dojo though I don't always have the time myself to post. It is very nice to see such a well-maintained site dedicated to Usagi.
I requested any corrections PLEASE be sent to me. For instance, is the Art of Usagi Yojimbo: 20th Anniversary a limited/signed edition? No one has ever written me to let me know. My copy isn't, but does it exist?
Thanks and best to everyone!
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Stan Sakai
- Sensei
- Posts: 4896
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2002 12:21 -0700
Hi mikeytuba,mikeytuba wrote: Is the Art of Usagi Yojimbo: 20th Anniversary a limited/signed edition? No one has ever written me to let me know. My copy isn't, but does it exist?
Thanks and best to everyone!
Thanks for posting, and thank you for your support of Usagi and me. There is not limited/signed edition for The Art of UY. There are just the hardcover and trade paperback editions. The hardcover sold out much quicker than expected though, and is hard to find.
The upcoming UY: Yokai color graphic novel will be a mass market hardcover as well. Right now, there are no plans for a paperback edition.
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mikeytuba
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
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- Location: Southeast US
Thank you Mr. Sakai!!!
I guess if anyone would know it would be the master!
I have already pre-ordered the Fantagraphics Special Edition as well as Book 23. The hardest part is waiting for them to arrive.
Are there any plans to visit the East coast US in the near future?
I just missed you at the Trilogy Tour booth in Charlotte, NC several years ago.
Thanks again!
With respect, Mike
I guess if anyone would know it would be the master!
I have already pre-ordered the Fantagraphics Special Edition as well as Book 23. The hardest part is waiting for them to arrive.
Are there any plans to visit the East coast US in the near future?
I just missed you at the Trilogy Tour booth in Charlotte, NC several years ago.
Thanks again!
With respect, Mike
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Stan Sakai
- Sensei
- Posts: 4896
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2002 12:21 -0700
I will have three books coming out this year, aside from the comic books. The two volume hard cover slip cased Complete Fantagraphics UY is scheduled for June. UY Book 23: Bridge of Tears will be out in July in a limited HC and trade editions. The water colored original HC graphic novel UY: Yokai is scheduled for November.mikeytuba wrote:Thank you Mr. Sakai!!!
I guess if anyone would know it would be the master!
I have already pre-ordered the Fantagraphics Special Edition as well as Book 23. The hardest part is waiting for them to arrive.
Are there any plans to visit the East coast US in the near future?
I just missed you at the Trilogy Tour booth in Charlotte, NC several years ago.
Thanks again!
With respect, Mike
The only East Coast trip I have planned this year is the Baltimore Comic-con in October.