Pristine's Signed by the Man Himself HIGH GRADE Silver Bronze Age Key Marvel Issues

Set Description

2024 Update: We have enhanced our 2020 Award-winning set with even more key issues signed by Stan Lee! Prior to creating a CGC registry set, we sold thousands of books that we obtained through private signings with Stan Lee and in the process helped many others complete or add to collections of their own. Over the past 3 years, we reached out to many of these customers and have been fortunate enough to re-purchase copies we deemed worthy of inclusion into this custom set. We also kept a watchful eye on the market and auction houses for select issues once owned to re-surface. We will continue these efforts and invite anyone with key issues that may add to our set to reach out to us with an offer to sell or trade as we carry duplicates for that reason.

About the Set: I always felt Stan Lee and Marvel Comics were one in the same, and in many ways, there were. This set in large, is a tribute to Stan "the man" Lee.

Stan Lee Walk of Fame Induction (May 7th, 2010). We were the only ones invited to set up a display of Marvel Comics!

In 1972 I bought my first comic book. It was on a spinner rack at a local grocery drugstore chain called the "Piggly Wiggly" in Tacoma Washington. I was immediately hooked and lost myself in the world of comics for years to come. A world in which to escape every month as the newest titles hit the stands. Within the pages of every issue, there was a section known as "Stan's Soapbox". While the stories and incredible art hooked me, it was Stan's quick wit and sincerity that made a loyal follower out of me. As the years passed, slowly as they do when one is young, Stan became an idol to me and the slogan Make Mine Marvel rang true. As I traveled over the years and adjusted to new schools, thirteen to be exact, comic book collecting provided a common thread in which to launch new friendships, in some cases, lifelong bonds. As time progressed and the pursuit continued, It had never really dawned on me that all of those garage sales, swap meets, classified ads, smelly basements, and various comic book shops would eventually culminate in reaching the peak of Mount Rushmore of comics. Something that never entered my mind in an era much different than today's and as such was certainly never really a goal nor really on the menu. This Mount Everest moment for me would have really blown my mind during my heyday as a youngster hustling for comics. This moment for me was my first one-on-one private signing with the very man himself, in his hotel room no less, THE man himself! Secluded from the masses late at night or early in the morning there I was sitting right next to Stan talking comics while handing him comics to sign one at a time. Relaxed and away from the crowd he was at ease. With a distinctive voice uniquely his own his quick-witted humor would roll off his tongue at the drop of a hat as he signed the very issues I grew up reading, all be it now in superior condition than mine once were. How times have changed, there I was handing the man himself some of the highest if not the single highest graded copies in existence and while this certainly meant squat to Stan, it meant everything to the kid who once mowed lawns, washed cars, and plucked down every dime he had on comic books back in the day. I cannot begin to think of what my childhood would have been like without this man. To me, those experiences with Stan were an honor and a privilege and as a true bonus, I was able to share this experience firsthand with each of my kids as each of them was able to participate in one signing or another.

Stan’s signature, like memories, will stand the test of time. His signature is unique and instantly recognizable and having his signature one of his prized character titles adds so much more than merely an autograph on a comic book. It's knowing that the Man himself, who created many of these very characters actually held this precise book and sincerely placed his magic signature on its cover while frequently commenting on various aspects of the very book he was signing. Stan's signature on a book, along with CGC's encapsulation, 3rd party authentication, and unique label creates if you will, a form of comic memorabilia that simply cannot be replaced nor duplicated. It resonates something extremely special.

Stan Lee is pictured signing our Fantastic Four #48 just before he gets to our Amazing Fantasy #15

Some people have commented in the past about whether Stan should be allowed to sign a rare high-grade book. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. There are collectors who prioritize preserving the natural state of the book, and there are others who express their views without meaningful reason. While I may disagree with both, I can understand and respect the purists’ perspective. These differences represent the beauty of collecting. We all have individual preferences, and passion is universally rewarding. While a purist might prioritize the grade or natural state of the copy, I would much rather have a book signed by Stan Lee with a grade of 9.8 than an unsigned one with a grade of 9.9. The difference between a solid 9.8 and a 9.9 can be minimal, but in my opinion, I would value a 9.8 signed by Stan Lee over an unsigned 9.9 any day of the week. There is no comparison.

This collection began with first issues, first appearances, and origins from the late 1960s, during Marvel’s numerous character introductions and self-titled spinoffs. It then expanded slightly into 1967 and 1969, occasionally touching on the 1961-64 era, and ventured into the Bronze Age with only a few issues released after 1974. Going beyond Marvel’s prime era of 1968 titles, this collection also includes outstanding late Silver and early Bronze Age titles, with a focus on key issues. While first issues and appearances of mainstream titles from 1961-64 are significant, this collection holds a personal meaning as a heartfelt tribute to an era that provided comfort and profound influence. It pays homage to a man who I idolized and who made a true believer out of me - the universally known Stan “The Man” Lee.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Joe Pierson for his help in obtaining many of the signatures on these books. Joe not only introduced me to Stan but went out of his way countless times. Your diligence contributed to making this set a reality. Thinking back to our fateful day in Seattle, I can't help but smile. This industry is filled with genuine individuals, and Joe, you are one of them. Thank you again. Nuff said.

Set Goals
To share genuine admiration for Stan “The Man” Lee and showcase some of the highest graded and now signed collectibles from my childhood era.