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Angela 1
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9.8
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You've been probably wondering, "How come I haven't heard nor hide nor hair of SW3D's psycho-babble about Angela lately? Or maybe not?
Well, if you missed it (or me), or didn't, either way, I'm back, or should I say, Angela's back! That's right... it's another arousing edition of: "For the Love of Angela!"
And in this exhilarating segment, we're going to discuss my recent acquisition: Image Comics' Angela #1.
Now to most collectors, and even some die-hard Angela fans, this issue may not appear to be a really big deal. Why? Well... due to availability... Angela Number #1's are available in high quantity at most any grade. And although the total CGC Census population numbers for this particular issue are relatively low (76 currently), as Angela's star continues to rise in the Marvel U, undoubtedly, it will have an impact on its population growth.
But there are other factors... key factors and historical notations, in my opinion, that many have failed to realize (or perhaps they're not that significant to warrant mentioning).
So what is the BFD (Big f@@king deal) about this one anyway?
Glad you asked.
These are some of the key notations Angela and Comic Book Collectors alike should be aware of that the CGC has, for whatever reason, omitted (and I'll list these in order of significance):
1. Angela's 1st Eponymous Title/1st Solo Appearance.
2. Angela's 2nd Appearance.
3. Neil Gaiman's 2nd story ever written for Image.
4. 1st Angela work sans Todd McFarlane.
5. Reveal: Angela's discloses her age: 100,000! (Holy sh$t she's a hottie for an ancient relic! I occasionally like my women to be mature but this lady is 1,000 millennia old! Damn!)
6. 1st Appearance of Angela's logo.
But the one distinguishing characteristic that makes this one also pretty special:
7. This is the first time legendary Spawn artist Greg Capullo illustrates Angela!
And on top of that, this particular comic has the master's inscription. Although other signature copies exist (there are two others on the census), this one is currently in the top spot graded at that magic number: 9.8!
I love it! I love it! I love it!
About the cover: Greg Capullo chose to showcase the Angelic Warrior with a tight close-up of her noble countenance. The intensity and crimson spots on her face and the warm blood running down her blade and armor can only lead the reader to assume she's hot and heavy in battle, beautifully framed... which makes it an ideal choic as a mantlepiece! But all kidding aside, in my opinion, Capullo captured the essence of this hellion, for when Angela gets into the thick of things, she's speaks with her lance, dagger and sword. Now that's the Angela I know and love! Marvel Comics TAKE NOTE!
So, without further pomp and circumstance, I give you... Angela #1, Signed by Greg Capullo.
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Aria 4 Signature
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9.6
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Aria 4: Glow in the Dark Variant featuring Angela on the Cover. This is an oddity simply because Angela does not appear or play a part in the story of this issue in any way. So I ask... why does Angela make an appearance on the cover? I can only speculate it's a marketing gimmick to draw attention to the Aria Angela mini-series which came out a few months later. Anyway... since Angela was on the cover, I decided I must have it. FYI: This cover is also featured in black and white on the Aria Angela European Ashcan.
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Aria Angela 1 Signature
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9.8
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The Portacio Holofoil Variant is not an easy one to find. I got lucky and bought a raw copy from one of my favorite places to buy comics, Lone Star Comics aka MyComicShop. I honestly did not expect it to receive a 9.8 grade; add the additional virtue of Jay Anacleto's signature which I obtained at NYComicCon in October 2014, and it bacame an instant keeper!
Currently, as of March 8, 2015, according to the CGC Census, this is the only Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures #1 Portacio Holofoil Variant with a Signature Series Yellow Label... making it an OAK!
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Aria Angela 1 Signature
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9.8
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Aria Angela 1 Signature
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9.4
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The Tower Records Edition is very hard to find. I got lucky when I was notified by Lone Star Comics, aka MyComicShop of its availability. Although it did not grade as high as I would like it to, it does have the unique virute of Jay Anacleto's inscription which I obtained at NYComicCon in October, 2014.
As of March 8, 2015, I understand there are a total of seven (7) CGC graded copies in the census; the one displayed here is the lone Signature Series Yellow Label example, making it an One-of-a-Kind (OAK).
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Aria/Angela: European Tour Ashcan nn Signature
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9.8
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Such a lovely pair: two Ashcan's of Aria/Angela signed by master artist Jay Anacleto at NYCC in October, 2014; both given the coveted graded of 9.8!
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Aria/Angela: European Tour Ashcan nn Signature
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9.8
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Such a lovely pair: two Ashcan's of Aria/Angela signed by master artist Jay Anacleto at NYCC in October, 2014; both given the coveted graded of 9.8!
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Aria Angela 2 Signature
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9.8
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Master artist Jay Anacleto signed this beauty for me at New York Comic Con in October, 2013. I love when a signature comic comes back graded 9.8!
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Aria Angela 2 Signature
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9.8
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I bought this beauty from my favorite online comic book store: Lone Star Comics, aka MyComicShop.
On October 9, 2014, I obtained Jay Anacleto's signature at NYComicCon. When it came back from CGC graded 9.8, I was floored! It's a keeper!
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Aria Angela 2 Signature
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9.6
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I was fortunate to receive this comic book raw from Lone Star Comics aka MyComicShop. On October 9, 2014, I got it signed by Jay Anacleto at NYComicCon.
Currently, as of March 8, 2015, according to the CGC Census, this is the only Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures #2 Gold Edition Signature Series Yellow Label example... making it an OAK!
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Cyblade/Shi: The Battle for Independents 1
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9.6
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Publisher: Crusade-Image Comics
Publication Date: 1995
Age: Modern Age
Writer: Brian Haberlin and David Wohl
Artists: Marc Silvestri and Matt Banning
Grade: 9.6 (Near Mint+)
Grade Description: Nearly perfect with a minor additional virture or virtues that raise it from Near Mint. The overall look is "as if it was just purchased and read once or twice."
CGC Key Comments: 1st Appearance of Sara Pezzini; 1st Appearance of the Witchblade artifact.
Signature Series: Signed by Marc Silvestri on October 2, 2012
Grade Date: November 30, 2012
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Cyblade/Shi: The Battle for Independents 1
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9.8
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Highest Graded Copy: 9.8
Yellow Label: CGC witnessed signatures of Marc Silvestri (co-creator of Cyblade and Witchblade), William Tucci (co-creator of Shi), and Matt "Batt" Banning.
Variant: William Tucci variant cover.
Key Notes: 1st appearance of Sara Pezzini who eventually acquires the Witchblade; 1st appearance of the Witchblade artifact.
Uniqueness: Highest graded with triple signatures.
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Dark Dominion 7 Signature
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9.4
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Publisher: Defiant
Publication Date: April, 1994
Age: Modern Age
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: JG Jones (Cover and interior Art)
Grade: 9.4 (Near Mint)
Grade Description: Nearly perfect with only minor imperfections that keep it from the next higher grade. The overall look is "as if it was just purchased and read once or twice."
Owners Key Notes: 1st JG Jones Professional Comic Book Work
Signature Notes:
Signed by JG Jones on June 29, 2013 (see photo).
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Dark Dominion 8 Signature
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9.6
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2nd JG Jones Published Pro Comic Work
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Dark Dominion 9 Signature
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9.8
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3rd JG Jones Published Pro Comic Work
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Darkness 3
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9.8
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Guardians of the Galaxy 5
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9.8
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Guardians of the Galaxy 5 Signature
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9.8
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Signed by Sara Pichelli at NYComicCon on October 9, 2014.
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Guardians of the Galaxy 6 Signature
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9.8
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Signed by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor at NYComicCon on October 9, 2014.
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Guardians of the Galaxy 7 Signature
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9.8
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Signed by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor at NYComicCon on October 9, 2014.
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Guardians of the Galaxy 10 Signature
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9.8
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Signed by Kevin Maguire and Justin Ponsor at NYComicCon on October 9, 2014.
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Rant 1 Signature
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9.6
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OAK: The 1st and currently the only graded copy on the CGC Census Population
Yellow Label: CGC Witnessed signature of JG Jones
Key Comments: artist JG Jones 4th published illustrated comic book work, and 1st Written comic book work
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Savage Dragon 102 Universal
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9.8
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Publisher: Image Comics
Publication Date: August, 2002
Key Notes:
1st Appearance: Invincible (in a 5-page preview which predates Tech Jacket #1 and Invincible #1)
Signature Notes:
Signed by Invincible creator Robert Kirkman.
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Superman Special 1 Signature
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9.2
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OAK: The 1st and currently the only graded copy on the CGC Census Population
Yellow Label: CGC Witnessed Signatures of Walter Simonson, Michael Golden, and Geof Darrow
Edition: Newsstand Edition
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