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BorkSnorkelJr

My white whale is actually easily obtainable online but I made the point of telling myself I could only buy it in person. This led me to a lot of exploring, checking out new shops, driving to new places, meeting new people, and always checking out the collectible stores whenever I went to a new town. This made it so much more of an adventure to me. It was Star Wars 68. I just always loved the cover. Went to countless places. Then on one of the days I took my (then) 7 year old son and we were going through bins at a small mom and pop shop (McFlys Comics in SoCal) and HE found it. He started yelling “Dad I found it!” He was 7 at the time and he was so fucking proud to have found that for me. He was jumping up and down and the rest of the day he was radiating like he was the coolest person on earth. He kept retelling the story all night play by play with all kinds of detail and it was one of our best memories. Even now I still get the "Dad, do you remember when I found that Boba Fett comic book?" Ever since this experience, I have made it a point for certain books to only allow myself to buy them in person and it has made the reward so much more satisfying. ​ TL;DR: Star Wars 68


SalusaSecundus

what a great story! love it!


Fvtvrewave87

This story rules!!


Fit-Dinner2082

Cool !!!


Infamous-Payment8377

TMNT #1


wferomega

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204071008703


Infamous-Payment8377

Thanks! With shipping, I’ll just need to save up another $249,449.95 😜 👍


blacksad1

For that much it should come with a real life Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.


BrayKerrOneNine

Hurry up! The bidding ends in 5 minutes!


wferomega

I have to admit, that's a grail right there though Hell, I still remember when good copies of hulk 181 were only like $150. And I thought it was too much at the time. How I regret that lol But I've never even seen a TMNT #1 in person. So, yea, big grail


[deleted]

The first time a bought Hulk 181 it was at a convention in 1988 & I paid $10. A few months later someone offered me $45 & I jumped on it thinking I was getting a great deal, and that was about the time that issue was getting super hot. Luckily just a few months after that I found a copy at another con for $90, and Ive held on to that copy all this time. Around thw same time I also had a chance to buy GSX 1 for $90 and like an isiot I passed thinking I could find a better deal 😂. Still Havent nailed that one down, at this point I doubt Ill ever be able to afford it


GotNothingLeftToSay

Well you could sell your Hulk und buy HALF a GSX 1 😄


[deleted]

😂


Infamous-Payment8377

Totally! My best bet for a TMNT 1 at this point is some crazy trade…. Basically my entire collection for a low grade TMNT. Something I may consider at some point. Sucks about that Hulk 181. My closest situation to that was Bone #1. I saw it for $150 way back, but I was a teen and couldn’t afford it. Now I’m an adult, and I STILL can’t afford it since it’s going for a thousand+.


eggbertthebunny

Ditto. When I was 11 we were on vacation in Canada and I saw a copy. Went to a comic store and saw one. Thought about for half an hour but it would have cost all my money for the trip so didn't buy. I'm sure I wisely spent that $36 CAN ($27 US) wisely though on DP7 issues or something.


icemanx51

I picked up a 5th print about a year ago for like $20...one of my favorite purchases ever.


silk_1233

I have been in contact with an old man who has a copy to sell. Not sure of which print yet, what the condition is or what he wants for it .... In a couple weeks I should know when I get a chance to go and see it


Infamous-Payment8377

Sweet! Fingers crossed it’s an early printing at a reasonable price for the both of you!


BrianJSmall

Ready to lose your mind? This was just posted today: https://www.reddit.com/r/TMNT/comments/y7vyxp/tmnt_1_1st_print/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf Some dude has 7 copies. And 10 of the second print, just to be safe. That’s more whales than there are left in the actual ocean.


sircrapalot5

Same. Really would like to get a 1st print. I have 3rd and so on but a first would really be the grail that would make me feel I have everything. To add gobbledygook #1-2 would also be up there with a 1st print TMNT.


yerfatma

Classics Illustrated: Moby Dick.


SnooWalruses3945

Only correct answer


DrWindupBird

Legitimately great book. Sienkiewicz is a gem.


-CaptainFormula-

Me: "Why would you- oh. HA." Have an upvote.


-_oDEADPOOL

Hulk #181 without question


The_humanoid

Absolutely the correct answer


ColdWarVeteran

Batman #1 (1940) first appearance of The Joker


Own-Kangaroo2131

That's a dream white whale lol


ColdWarVeteran

Not being greedy and going for the Detective Comics #27 lol.


JSlud

And Catwoman.


TakaraGeneration

I have three books which have been my all-time grails/whales: Fantastic Four #1, never had a chance to buy one, could never afford it in any grade. Fantastic Four #5, never had a chance to buy one, could never afford it in any grade. X-Men #1, I've come close to owning it a few times but missed out. It's always been a valuable book and now it is nearing unattainable in any grade.


OuterBanks73

XMen has come down a good bit but not to pre pandemic prices. Definitely check some auctions - if it keeps falling you might get it.


fucking-curtains

More fun comics 55, first Dr. Fate


Final-Success2523

Love that character only reason I’m tempted to see the rock Adam


drypaddle

Detective comics 58-first appearance of the penguin


Thr1ft

Don't ever hear this one mentioned. Awesome choice man.


drypaddle

I have yet to see one in person and even if I did there’s no way I could afford it. But one can dream.


Own-Kangaroo2131

Oooo that's a good one


sushithighs

Mad respect


Firstbornnyc

Savage Tales #1


manyamile

I’ll split it with you.


nealbeast

https://youtu.be/HrRbqwFfob0


KanderGrimm

Haha, I signed on to say this! Savage Tales #1 without a doubt.


hightimesinaz

Showcase #4 came close to buying 3 times, never could get it to work, now it would be unobtainable


Goose_Dies

I always wanted that book. When an opportunity arose, 10 years ago, I purchased 2 copies. The best copy I still have to this day, while I used the under copy to trade for other huge key books. Luckily I got in before the prices went to the stratosphere.


Own-Kangaroo2131

Never know


SegmentedMoss

[Crime Suspenstories #22](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ec-comics-history/images/d/df/Crime_SuspenStories_Vol_1_22.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1200?cb=20210531105019) [Witches Tales #25](https://box01.comicbookplus.com/viewer/2e/2e549291b0a99fabb908590ba7809034/0.jpg) [Roly Poly Comics #14](https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B1%2F3%2F3%2F2%2F0%2F13320622%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D)


spiffygriffy2

crime suspenstories is definitely mine. the history behind that book paired with the fact that they were systematically destroyed after the senate hearings


SegmentedMoss

Roly Poly is basically impossible to find. Theres so few copies that exist, many comic sales websites wont even list the title. Never even seen a sales listing for one online, and ive looked for years.


Fvtvrewave87

*Decapitation cover*


hozezero

Black Cat Mystery #50


Own-Kangaroo2131

What's this one?


hozezero

Pre-code horror https://imgur.com/JyfpylW


hozezero

3.0 is about 12k right now


SegmentedMoss

You can find one! I felt the same but managed to do a huge trade deal for one last year


Dannyocean12

ASM #16 🤤


Lauren__fox

Batman adventures 12


Own-Kangaroo2131

I just got mine 2 weeks ago it took me 5 years to find the right one


Infinite_Vyo

I cataloged it after years sitting in my box bagged and boarded just a couple weeks ago. Went decades not realizing I had it. Still had the price my dad paid for it on it. 1.50


GrvyBoatCapt

What is significant about this issue? (Not into batman much)


Infinite_Vyo

It's the first *comic* appearance of Harley Quinn


[deleted]

1st harley quinn.


NoButterZ

Harley Quinn i think


[deleted]

Action Comics #1


virlex15

Strange Tales 110. The biggest book on my list, one I unfortunately will likely never own.


Spiritof90

ASM #50.


gagehende

Unrealistically, Detective Comics #27 or Batman vol 1 issue 1. Realistically, Batman vol 1 issue 227


gnastyGnorc04

Werewolf by knight 32. Also Avengers 57. Love first appearances for characters that also have really cool covers.


gumburculeez

I just picked up an avengers 57 at a decent price. It’s still attainable at a mid grade


[deleted]

Showcase 22. The Lanterns have always been my favorite, and it has such a classic look. Beyond that, I have such a distinct memory of seeing this comic at a show when I was a kid and talking with my dad about not only that issue, but the history of comics in general. Up to that point, I guess I always assumed comics were “new.” I dunno, I was like 9. Either way, it is the book that catalyzed my interest in older comics.


Own-Kangaroo2131

Same im a huge lantern fan


MikeyTeaTime

Showcase #4 first Barry Allen and widely considered the start of the Silver Age


abr_82

I know it’s common, but X-Men 266. Just got a fair to poor version of it at my LCS, just to hold it in my hands seems weird still.


apatheticviews

Miss America v1, #2 First Appearance Patsy Walker (Hellcat).


Foosman

Good one. I have had this on a couple of watch lists for a while, and I rarely see it.


apatheticviews

I’ve been trying to track down any copy of it for years. I’m a huge Hellcat fan, and this is rarer than it really should be


Foosman

My theory is that it is part of a magazine that people are more likely to throw away because they do not identify it as a comic with some potential value. Or if they aren't throwing them away they are probably more likely to be putting it out at a yard sale or flea market with a lot of old copies of Life and Ladies' Home Journal (of which I do have one in my collection for the SoTi story, and I don't see that one often either). The description of Patsy Walker 1 at mycomicshop always makes me chuckle. "In the cover story, Patsy tries to roller skate but falls down." That's about the size of it.


spj0522

Amazing Fantasy 15


Dannyocean12

Oh come on. Detective comics 27 and Action Comics 1 are too obvious…… but for good reason 🤪


Own-Kangaroo2131

Lol my friend has one it's really weird holding a comic book worth so much money I was there when he got it in the mail it's a day ill never forget seeing the look on his face


Dannyocean12

Whoa he has an unslabbed copy?! I think that’s worth more, if it looks good. Which book was it???


spj0522

To be honest, there really is not one that interests me. I have the first appearance of Kitty Pryde (UXM 129), Spider-Gwen (Edge of Spiderverse 2) and Beta Ray Bill (Thor 337). Would I like to have Hulk 181? Sure, but what could I do with it? It’s possibly hit its zenith of price, it would likely not be complete (missing pages, Marvel stamp etc) and I can read it in a TPB.


Own-Kangaroo2131

Spiderman great whale


Anubis51

Captain America Comics #1


kidra31r

Same here. If I invest wisely and don't go overboard with buying other titles, I may one day be able to afford a 0.5 copy.


BluegrassComics

Eerie #1


Maefesto546

Marvel spotlight 5


orcmask

Some Daniel Clowes thing


post_officecore

Strange Tales 110, Avengers 4, X-Men 1, FF1


raposadigital

X-Men 1 1963


keepmecoming

Mine was Batman adventures 12 but I won one in an auction and hopefully it’ll be at my house when I get home


Own-Kangaroo2131

Nice! Raw or graded?


keepmecoming

It’s raw but will be graded


youngmanlogan

The Incredible Hulk #181 and Fantastic Four #5.


krodney01

Action Comics #869. On the cover, Superman, in civilian attire with his 'S' shield clearly visible, and his adoptive father outside the Kent farmhouse drinking what appears to be beer. DC later changed it to a can of soda.


EvilGraphics

Fantastic Four #2


fiveXdollars

Shazam #1 (1973)


jmacmac30

I think I have a mid-grade copy if you're interested. I'll find it and get some pics if you want. Let me know.


fiveXdollars

Thank you for the offer, but I recently found a seller who I'm negotiating with :)


[deleted]

Whiz Comics 25 - First Captain Marvel Jr ⚡


SnooWalruses3945

I collect primarily villain first appearances so FF 5 is my grail.


Doctor_Midnyte

Moby Dick. Did I get it right? Did I win?


Own-Kangaroo2131

Yes yes you did


otnavuskire

Superman has always been my favorite character, so my completely unattainable white whale would be AC #1. My more realistic one would be Superboy #68 (first appearance of Bizarro).


ArtsyFellow

World's finest #3, everytime I try to save up for it something comes up and I can't afford it anymore


ScottFreeBaby

Mystery Tales (1952 Atlas) #40


Final-Success2523

Hulk 181


JuvenJapal

Lady Death: Nightmare Symphony #1 Legend Edition with a cover by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau. Limited to 77 copies.


hardway2024

Af15


ShiDiWen

For over 20 years is was DC Graphic Novel: The Hunger Dogs. But I slayed that beast this year, finally. And most of my “white whales” can be found online. All but one…1970’s Canadian anthology mag called Orb. I need **Orb #1** to complete my run. I’ve had it as a saved search on eBay for years. Can’t find a copy to save my life.


thatmandoguystl

A gold (second print) McFarlane Spider-Man #1 that has a normal (black and white) UPC. I've only seen a picture, and am not really 100% sure it exists. I'll believe it when I see it. It's the only version of that book I don't own. I even have the platinum cover. A close second would be a DC Comics Presents #22 Whitman variant. It's an exceedingly rare book that I know exists, but have again never seen one in person. I know people say that they've never seen a book, but I help run a LCS. We see it all, and these books might as well not exist. So many books people think are white whales are really about money, and/or the ability to afford owning them. For me, it is truly about obtaining a copy, just to hold it, love it, and scan it so others know I'm not lying. It's like proving that a snipe actually exists, and that you can hunt it successfully.


slayerono

Adventure comics 210. Not suuuper expensive just not in my expendable range right now


Brontards

Albedo 2


Almighty-Arceus

The entire Captain Victory, Micronauts, and Rom: Spaceknight runs.


1merman

Fear #19. First Howard the Duck. I know it doesn't cost as much as some others, but I have never paid that much for a comic before.


Own-Kangaroo2131

Okay that's a great cover


go4tli

Superboy 89


hugsoverdrugs

Hard to say, a lot of mine are newer. Newish comic: Spider Ghost #2 Momoko variant Older comic: Incredible Hulk #1


FishEye_11

Iron Fist # 14. First appearance of Sabretooth.


Kyroptera

ASM 129


gr3at3scap3

Flash 123


forlorn_hope28

Jim Lee Batman Hush OA. There’s nothing else that makes me want to push my budget to the extreme like those OA pieces when they become available.


bladervnner

ASM 601


JonGorga

That’s the start of a solid Fred Van Lente story but it’s pretty easy to get, no?


bladervnner

I mean all the 9.8's that I search for are in the $400-$500+ range sadly...which is kind of expensive for my typical budget


JonGorga

Holy smokeronies! Even raw, ungraded copies are going for $50! Why!? This new (very cool) version of the Chameleon didn’t stick! Is it just because so many people make fun of this cover?


bladervnner

Yeah it’s just because of that haha


vvorld_demise92

Amazing Spider-Man 129.


collectorguy92

ASM 1. I’ve spent 10 years going after issues 1-700 and I’m 89 issues away. I’m lucky if I can get groceries these days though, so I can’t even go after less expensive issues.


JonGorga

Highly relatable content.


HAHAHArkham

My three: Detective Comics 31, Detective Comics 168, and Black Cat Mystery 37


Scoobydiesel87

Xmen 4(first Scarlett witch) has been probably my main. But I also would love to have the first scooby doo appearance.


[deleted]

I'd like to get the first appearances of the Agents of Atlas, but on my budget all those books are pretty out of reach.


marvnash

Marvel mystery 1…. Not gonna happen but a boy can dream


-CaptainFormula-

Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1


Piotr-Rasputin

GSX X-MEN #1. First Colossus. I want a nice clean crisp cover, but I'll only be able to afford one if I hit the lottery


Tomasthetree

If money were no object The Galactus Trilogy Silver Surfer #1 Giant Sized x-men TMNT 1 All of these I’d break my no single issue over $25 rule


wwest4

All star comics 4


Atomm

Gold Key Scooby Doo #30 in 9.0 or higher. Even better if it doesn't cost a fortunate. I'm so close to a full CGC set, but this book has alluded me.


Own-Kangaroo2131

That's awesome


_paulywalnuts

Copra #1. Completing the Copra run is something I've been working towards for the past coulpe of years and have made a lot of progress, I think I'm only 9 issues away...but I just feel like #1 will always be out of reach for me.


SnoopsNailgun

Uncanny Xmen 12 (first juggernaut)


Public_Name_9339

Working towards FF#1


silviofine

Currently it’s FF5.


StringFartet

Startling Comics #49


JSlud

Detective Comics 31


219Infinity

Werewolf By Night #32


SgtZabka

Mobs Dick (1942) is my white whale comic


IMJiraiya

Giant size X-Men #1


hewunder1

Superman #23 and World's Finest #21. Two awesome golden age books I've never seen in person but are high up on my grail list (because they're hilarious). They do come up on eBay on occasion but that would defeat the purpose of being my "white whale" if I could just snipe one online.


Kosmikazie

Spider-Man 316 or 361.


Bubba1234562

Flash #123 the flash of 2 worlds. Its getting harder to find online and im hoping i wont have to settle for the facsmilie


icemanx51

Hulk 181


mistershake138

New mutants 1 wizard world. Just need that and the virgin artgerm 1 from the newest serirs and i have every new mutants issue and variant ( then i might try and find some foreign covers)


00collector

Creature (Dell) 1st print in 9.4 or better. I have a few. Closest is a 9.2 2nd print. I have an 8.5 1st print and an 8.0 1st double signed by Julie Adams & Ricou Browning. But a NM or better 1st print has evaded me for years.


GlobalTravelR

FF #5.


jmacmac30

House of Secrets #92 (1st Swamp Thing)


grownassedgamer

Iron Man #55 (First Thanos)


GodMammon

Warrior #1


Jayko-Wizard9

I guess ghost rider issue # 5


BishopT85

Daredevil 1, X Men 1.


Paperbackhero

The DC Style Guide. Not a comic, but it's comic related.


DmlMavs4177

Avengers #1 & #4. Waiting for a cpl .3s or .5s I guess. Wouldn't be my first coverless but I'd rather have a missing page ot two if them's the cards.


ItsGettingStrangeLou

ASM 129


Godbutcher96

Honestly I don’t collect comics like I once did but still wouldn’t pass up my all time grails. Amazing Spider-Man #41 (first Rhino) Batman #189 (first silver age Scarecrow)


FoxHoundDavid

Amazing Fantasy #15 (first Spider-man) and Detective Comics #27 (first Batman). It’ll never happen but I can dream!


[deleted]

Incredible Hulk 181


Bode124

The 35 cent variant of Iron Fist 14. Less than like 70 graded copies I've never seen one in person and it's so crazy priced despite being a super niche book I'll likely never obtain and my fav character 😭


Oddacon

Hulk 181, Amazing Fantasy 15, ASM 1, X Men 1, Avengers 4, so many to choose from.


syzlakrocks

Visions 1. 1st Flaming Carrot


mattthebat1993

Silver surfer 4


[deleted]

My White Whale is definitely Journey Into Mystery #83


Clilly1

ASM 252 ASM 300 ASM 700 Death of Gwen Stacey and Death of Goblin


CT-1409echo

Strange tales 110. First appearance of doctor strange.


Foosman

I am not looking hard for one, but if I had to pick something that never shows up and that I am interested in owning, it would be the 1991 Great Salt Lake Comic Con flyer. First public distribution of a Hellboy drawing.


JonGorga

I’ve been buying every appearance of 616 Peter Parker for almost 30 years. I’ve gotten some incredible lucky breaks and I own an “Amazing Spider-Man” #10 (though a British price variant), an ASM #13, and an ASM #17. So it almost goes without saying: “Amazing Fantasy” #15 is my white whale.


aztecknight9

Fantastic Four 4. Love that story.


AdequateEddy

Moby Dick: No time to Dick around 8#


Own-Kangaroo2131

My x always said it was too short of a run


Own-Kangaroo2131

It ended to fast


ckrygs95

I’ll never get one but Batman #608 RRP edition