William M Moe's Bio
"if only......" Every time I said that my Dad would say, "if only the frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his butt on the ground when he hops." Well, if only I had started collecting in 1970! Actually, I did. I grew up with the Silver Age and bought 10-centers by the dozens. Sadly, very few survived and my Mom sold others in the '70s to a guy much more insightful than I. I still have a few, all nicely CGC encased.
I got into it again in the early '90s and have three people to thank for teaching me the keys and in helping me become a good grader. First, Jim Brazell of Albuquerque, who owned a comic shop there, treated me right, became a friend and taught me a lot about comics. Second, Stephen Ritter, owner of Worldwide Comics, when he and I were in Albuquerque. Go figure! Two USAF officers who were into comics at the same place. Stephen was, and is, an honest man and tough grader extraordinaire. Third, Total Comic Mayhem's input. His lists of keys and investment advice is free for the reading online, bless his heart, and he knows of which he speaks.
This hobby has been an absolute joy! CGC completely revolutionized the industry in 2000 by virtually eliminating over grading risk--at least with 3rd party graded books. More expense was induced, though, by such things as grading fees, wait times, 9.4s, 9.6s, 9.8s, etc. Such things as GPA for Comics and GoCollect have also been very helpful additions. Overall, Overstreet still reigns supreme. Recall, though, that these things are GUIDES, not comic dogma forever encased in stone.
Still, my primary advice, beyond subject, keys, ages, etc. is to learn to be an exacting, proficient grader. The Silver Age is what I grew up on and what I emphasize, but the Bronze and Copper ages hold gems as well. One great thing about comics is it works for about any budget, though if your name is Mega Bucks, your universe of options is much greater. Hold forth, have fun, and don't be afraid to mess up as that's how you learn. I've had losers, and so has every other comic collector if honesty prevails. Can you still find raw bargains at comic shops? Yep, IF you are a good grader. You will see some outlandish asking prices out there, so learn, baby, learn.
Nothing is guaranteed, but if past becomes prologue, my kids will reap the benefit of the immense great time I had with this hobby.