Finding comic books nowadays, at a decent price, can be daunting.  There is so much competition as it seems more and more new collectors are entering the hobby.  That can actually be a good thing depending on how you look at it, nonetheless, don’t fret.  Let me share my experience with a new comic book website dealer that I recently found and share my gratification with a “key” purchase.  Needless to say, I was very satisfied, thus I am writing this article and am wanting to share it with all of you.  Thank me later.  Let’s talk about the International Comic Exchange, also known as ICE. 

THE NEWSLETTER

So, I don’t know about you, but I get the CGC Newsletter every so often and inside that newsletter there is always something about CGC promotions and celebrity signings among other comic-related news.  What I like to read is the “Industry News”.  Who are the movers and shakers in the comic book industry and what are they selling?  In this particular instance, I noticed the headline “ICE” and wondered what they were all about.  I went online and found a whole new world.  

THE PURCHASE

For the longest, I have been looking for Daredevil #168 (1981) to add to my collection. I came close a couple of times with some off-market deals with local dealers but that’s when I thought the price offered to me was too high to only later find out subsequent sales would be even higher and continue to be high making me think twice if I would ever have an opportunity to buy this comic. We all know what this comic is all about but please allow me to indulge you for a minute.  

Daredevil #168 is probably one of the top bronze age books out there. It features the 1st appearance and origin of Elektra and 1st written work on Daredevil by Frank Miller.  Forget about the “Elecktra” misspelling on the cover, this is a must-have for any comic book collector.  Add to the fact that Elektra takes on the mantle of Daredevil in the current run released just recently making this issue even more desirable as a 1st appearance.  Let’s rewind to 3-4 months ago when I first inquired about this book with ICE.

THE EXPERIENCE

Many brick-and-mortar comic shops list their comic books online on eBay as well as on their website, and maybe even in their store too.  More exposure, more eyes on the product, international reach, I get it.  I noticed a Daredevil #168 CGC 9.8 was listed on eBay.  They really don’t show up much. 

If you are any savvy collector, you will go to the website of an eBay seller as well and see if there is a different sale price listed (if applicable).  In this case, it was.  I jumped all over it.  Immediately, I went online, signed up for the newsletter, which informs you of new inventory as well as gets you a promo Code that will save you money on shipping.  I was SOLD.  I went to check out and scrreeeeech!  What are all these fees?  I realized that International Comic Exchange is based out of Canada and unfortunately did not realize what all these extra fees were about - credit card fees, international fees, Canadian fees, you name it. I picked up the phone and spoke to probably the best comic book manager in the business – Jay. 

Jay, who is the manager at ICE gave me the red-carpet treatment.  Seriously.  I have never really dealt with a Canadian comic book dealer per se, at least not directly, maybe over eBay, but even then, not that many times.  He explained the process of buying directly from them versus from them via eBay or even from their website.  There were a couple of hiccups with making a credit purchase, but Jay told me what to do and we worked around that, and money was exchanged for said comic book – there was a meeting of the minds – mutual benefit!  I was very happy to finally secure this comic book and ultimately add it to my collection. 

Thank You!

Thank you, Jay, for being a class act and helping me with this purchase.  For those of you reading this, I would highly recommend that you check out their website and ask for JAY!  Tell him I sent ya!  ICE lists new comics every Wednesday. Check out all the great comics they’ve posted just this week at icomicexhange.com.  ICE also consigns graded comics at a flat 10% fee.  Join the excitement and put your slabs on ICE.  Also, feel free to submit any inquiries through mailbox@icomicexchange.com.  I now look at the website every day and look forward to my next purchase with ICE.  

Please share your thoughts and any comments you have about your experience with International Comic Exchange.  What key comic book did you buy from them?  I would love to hear your story.  Until next time you comic book junkies...

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