U.S.S. Ming
>
> Hope you got your fill of me last week cause I’m not around much this week, BUT this week centers on my buddy, Ming. The first transaction was actually two things — one, Ming “owned” as a child (albeit briefly) and the other was something he desperately wanted. Both are from the G.I. Joe 3 31/4″ figure lines which were a little after my time, but right up Ming’s alley. First up: the Terrordrome, headquarters to the evil Cobra. This was a high ticket item back in the 80’s and it was damned big. It looks like it should have been in the middle of a dormant volcano. This was a pretty impressive piece, even to someone like me, who’s not a huge fan of the series. But the truly impressive piece, the one that Ming yearned for as a child, was the U.S.S. Flagg. THIS was a truly monstrous piece, over seven feet long, three feet wide and two feet high. I can only imagine the size of the playroom that could accommodate this behemoth. The gentleman who brought it in was a pretty cool guy whose dream of teaching toxicology through comics-themed flashcards was inspired. I don’t know what Ming plans on doing with this piece he bought, but right now it’s set up in the Stash’s basement in all its oversized glory.
>
> I was really touched by the next transaction. A gentleman came in with a signed “Heroes” magazine put out by Marvel Comics after the events of September 11th. Marvel produced this as a tribute to the real-life heroes in our world, the first-responders: firemen, police, EMT’s who risk everything day in and day out. This book had a huge print run and even so, it went into second printings because of demand. Originally, some of the proceeds went to various charities to help first-responders and victims of 9/11. Even so, the value of this book has not gone up significantly, except as a sentimental piece of memorabilia. The seller was going to take the proceeds of the sale and donate it to a firefigher’s charity. Walt not only gave the gentleman his asking price with no negotiation, he chucked in an extra $50 bucks. Just goes to show how much heart Walt actually has. Don’t worry, Walt doesn’t read my blog so this isn’t apple-polishing on my part.
>
> And lastly, Ming brokered a deal to help a stay-at-home dad treat his wife to a night on the town. Gentleman came in with a Warner Brother’s store print of Howard Porter’s Justice League. This was an impressive piece because it showcased Grant Morrison’s use of “The Big Seven” (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Martian Manhunter) back on the team together for the first time in a decade. The Warner Brother’s store became famous for their high quality prints and while this one by Porter IS desirable, it never fetched the price tags of Bruce Timm’s or Alex Ross’s pieces. Still and all, I think Ming gave him a fair price. Hopefully enough for the guy to get he and his wife backstage with Donny and Marie.
>
> So that’s it for this week. Hope you enjoyed watching Ming as much as Ming enjoys being watched.
>
> And there ya go.
>
>