Value Of Collectible Comic Books Is No Laughing Matter

Comic books are no laughing matter when it comes to their value. Mound City Auctions had a field day with a comic book stash found in the basement of a home in Arnold, MO.

[Darrell]

I watched with great sadness the story about the cache of comic books discovered in an Arnold basement. Allow me to explain. The man who compiled that collection was my best friend, Ronnie Joe Sellers R.I.P.

I was born in 1948, he was born in 1947. He was an only child, as was I. We met in first grade, when I bent over to pick up a crayon and he pushed me out of my chair, That was the beginning of a life long friendship. When he came to South Carolina and drove his car off a bridge, he stayed at my house for three months to heal. Believe me when I tell you I could write a great book about our escapades, but, I will tell you the story of the Comics.

As youngsters, we used to ride our bicycles to a drug store on Lafayette, close to our Grade School. He got 2 or 3 dollars allowance and I got 5. We would pass the time waiting for the magazine guy by playing pinball. If he didn't have enough money to buy all of the comics he wanted, I would gladly give him the money he needed, that was what best friends were for.

Eventually Ron was diagnosed with Crones disease and went on full disabillity. I told him several times to sell his comics and records and he could have a much improved life style, but he didn't want to sell them.

I miss Ronnie very much, he was the only "brother" I ever had.

Rest in Peace Ronnie, Thelma and Ed. I miss all of you.

[siroD]

Sorry about your friend, maybe you should write that book.

[Brent]

Darrell wrote:

I watched with great sadness the story about the cache of comic books discovered in an Arnold basement. Allow me to explain. The man who compiled that collection was my best friend, Ronnie Joe Sellers R.I.P.
I was born in 1948, he was born in 1947. He was an only child, as was I. We met in first grade, when I bent over to pick up a crayon and he pushed me out of my chair, That was the beginning of a life long friendship. When he came to South Carolina and drove his car off a bridge, he stayed at my house for three months to heal. Believe me when I tell you I could write a great book about our escapades, but, I will tell you the story of the Comics.
As youngsters, we used to ride our bicycles to a drug store on Lafayette, close to our Grade School. He got 2 or 3 dollars allowance and I got 5. We would pass the time waiting for the magazine guy by playing pinball. If he didn't have enough money to buy all of the comics he wanted, I would gladly give him the money he needed, that was what best friends were for.
Eventually Ron was diagnosed with Crones disease and went on full disabillity. I told him several times to sell his comics and records and he could have a much improved life style, but he didn't want to sell them.
I miss Ronnie very much, he was the only "brother" I ever had.
Rest in Peace Ronnie, Thelma and Ed. I miss all of you.

Thanks for sharing your story. I was one of the guys who showed up to buy your good friend's comics. Sounds like he led an interesting life and had a a great friend in you. The great thing is that these comics will end up in the hands of guys who will treasure them like Ron did. His legacy will live on thru the comics that he cherished.

[Denise]

within the past 5 years I got rid of a similar collection because, after inquiring at several locations including the library, we were told they really didn't have any value. How did this family find out the books were valuable?

[Michelle]

"Bidders and their agents drooled at the very site of the rare pieces of illustrated story lines." It should be "sight." "Site" means location.

And comic books aren't just enjoyed by men. That's a very sexist thing to say. Please proofread and do a little more research before writing about something you don't know anything about.

And to Darrell, I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend, but I'm glad he had a lifelong friend like you.

[christine]

My best friend and I were there yesterday, we're the chicks in the video at the end. It was really cool to see the whole thing and amazing to see what some of the comics sold for. She was so excited about it. She has collected comic books since was a little girl and admits she was the only girl in the comic store :) I read about the auction on-line, told her and I'm so happy we were able to experience this marvelous event together. Unfortunately we weren't able to go to the preview of the comics, she would have loved that. We have been friends for a very long time and I never quite got the whole comic book thing.

Also if you watch the video my "normal" comment is so laughable because we are both pretty much dorky odd ducks in our own way. Even my parents laughed about that one.

Rest in peace and thank you, thank you, thank you...to the man who collected, cherished and preserved these wonderful comics, my best friend and I shared an event of a lifetime that we will reminisce about well into our old age. I spoke with her this morning and she said she was dreaming about the "silver age" comic books last night :)

[christine]

Michelle, they wrote that little bit about "mostly an old boys brotherhood" because it was mostly men there bidding. John Auble spoke with my friend and she knew all about the comics. She told him she had collected comic books since she was little girl and at that time she was the only girl in the comic book store. She still goes to a comic book store near where she lives and she is still pretty much the only female in the store. I think you are being far too sensitive with the whole "sexist" thing. The reality is it is more of a male market when it comes to comics.

To John Auble: Thanks for interviewing us and making us a part of the story. We enjoyed it and you were incredibly nice. It really made my friend's day that much more memorable. Thanks again.

[Kel]

Thanks for sharing your story about your friend, Ronnie. My step-dad has been collecting comics for a very long time however, he had all but the first edition of X-Men, this was the one missing. It is an nice to see that people young and old enjoy this past time still today.

[Bumper]

Nice story.