Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

THIS IS WHY YOU GRADE ...
The Book: The Amazing Spider-Man #361 -- first full appearance of Carnage (Marvel cards here)
The Reason Graded: As you probably read in a past piece where I previously graded my other newsstand copy of this iconic issue, I have a stash of early 1990s books that are all quite clean as I was picking off stuff from a bookstore without rack damage. I was more of an art fan/collector than a reader -- it was all about art and condition -- and this cover-price pickup came at a time where cards were starting to get too expensive to me in 1992 so I dabbled. I have had this stashed all this time and while the pop report here is heavy for sure ... how many of them can be newsstand 9.8s? I suspect it's a definite minority of that 5,000-some books.
The Grade: CGC 9.8 (Universal)

Reality Check: When I graded my other copy of this its pop was at 20,179 and there have been big gains at 9.4, 9.6 and 9.8. The eBay asking prices on this one for newsstand include $6,999 (not getting hit), $2,500 for a pair, just under $2,200, $2,000 and a bunch down to $750. Not that helpful. Actual eBay sales? Highs around $1,200 down to around $600 ... so definitely still a little all over the place. Recent sales are also still in that range for this key issue. No matter the timing or the price paid ... this is an example of why you grade good stuff. All it cost me $1.25 and grading fees.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Via @wmr18 ... Tatis Superfractor just pulled from Topps National Exclusive packs

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The National finale is here and there are mere hours left on the show floor.

The final day of this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention is already underway in Atlantic City, N.J., and Booth No. 1820, the home of BlowoutCards.com should be one of your first stops at the show before it's over.

But there's plenty more to be seen at this one -- and you can see a sampling of it and some cardboard finds from the coast right here.

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Via @blowoutcards ... Pulled from a from Blowout MegaMix box.

The show of all shows is on.

The third full day of this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention is already underway in Atlantic City, N.J., and Booth No. 1820, the home of BlowoutCards.com should be one of your first stops at the show between now and Sunday.

But there's plenty more to be seen at this one -- and you can see a sampling of it and some cardboard finds from the coast right here.

Continue reading →

Via @PTCGkenny ... WANDER??? #NSCC22

The show of all shows is on.

The second full day of this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention is already underway in Atlantic City, N.J., and Booth No. 1820, the home of BlowoutCards.com should be one of your first stops at the show between now and Sunday.

But there's plenty more to be seen at this one -- and you can see a sampling of it and some cardboard finds from the coast right here.

Continue reading →

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2021 Topps Chrome Update Sapphire Edition baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (boxes and lots)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

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Via @blowoutcards ... MegaMix box winner

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The National, Blowout MegaMix pulls, Project100, a fun NFL set from the past, new breaks and "sounds like a pump job and it may be, but ... "

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Via @Yasharkbos ... I think I had two of the best National packs ever.

The show of all shows is on.

The first full day of this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention is already underway in Atlantic City, N.J., and Booth No. 1820, the home of BlowoutCards.com should be one of your first stops at the show between now and Sunday.

But there's plenty more to be seen at this one ... and you can see a sampling of it and some cardboard finds on the coast right here.

Continue reading →

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks White Sparkle baseball cards
First Buzz preview: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

Continue reading →

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The National is now, wrapper redemption chatter, big MegaMix pulls, live at the show and more.

Continue reading →

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2020 Topps Chrome Ben Baller Edition baseball cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2021 Onyx Vintage College Football cards
First Buzz preview/checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

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One of the biggest annual events in the hobby is coming soon -- and Blowout Cards is getting ready ... are you?

The full plans for the Panini VIP Party coinciding with this year's National Sports Collectors Convention will be officially revealed here sometime soon, but we're already getting some details of what will be up for grabs for those who are interested in getting in on the event.

And we can get you on The List.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The National opens later today, a Super Bo, hulking Kobe RCs, Project chatter and more.

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Fast Five is a quick list that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection or new focus -- five things that could be fun for a beginner or a new way to add something to your stash if you're a grizzled veteran.

This time? Five affordable autographs you can get at The National this year.

WHAT?
Frank Whaley, actor ($39 any item; $10 inscription)
There's only one inscription I'd add with an autograph for this veteran actor who will be signing at the show and that would be on a Pulp Fiction photo something like this one. And that inscription is "What?" -- never has a four-letter addition ever been a better buy. While I suspect he and others signing -- or show promotors -- will have photo options you should be able to buy, I'd choose my own destiny and find something like this. Sports fans might consider a Moonlight Graham photo of him from Field of Dreams or maybe one could consider something from The Doors where he played legendary guitarist Robby Kreiger. It's all about a cool item that can make the ink here and there's good potential with a long list of credits. Heck, at this price I'd try something for all three movies -- or maybe Career Opportunities. Frank Whaley signs on Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. (Times all subject to change.)

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Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: Marvel Comics seven-book $10 retail repack 
Where to buy: Walmart and other retail outlets often have these ... BlowoutCards.com for Marvel cards
First Buzz preview: N/A

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery for what was in this one.

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there’s a box you’d want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

The box: 2015 BenchWarmer National Archive trading cards
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com when available -- see all BenchWarmer boxes here

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of everything in this box.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Superfractors in blaster boxes, true collectors, hot (wrong) takes on Rookie Cards and more in this edition sure to grind some gears out there. (That or Buzz just hasn't had enough caffeine yet today.)

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2022 Panini USA Baseball Stars & Stripes baseball cards (hobby)
First Buzz preview: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Keep reading for a full breakdown of what was in this one as well as a gallery.

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YourDozen.com is back for another week with free cardboard up for grabs to one lucky winner. This time, we're predicting WWE Summerslam action on Saturday and some matches from Ric Flair's Last Match on Sunday. You have until 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday to get your picks and predictions in. (Do it now -- one of the tiebreakers is who entered first.)

This week's prize is a mystery once again and it could be revealed at any time between now and then. Or, it may only be known to the winner, which could be you ... if you take the minute to make 13 simple predictions at the link below.

>>> CLICK HERE TO ENTER <<< 

Did you get in on last week's action? Check the leaderboard and contact fish@blowoutcards.com to claim your prize if you're the winner.

How does it work? It's short and simple. Register and you'll get a dozen questions where your answers will be compiled and compared to others. Whomever gets the most correct gets the prize -- or at least a shot at it if there's a tie.

The goal with YourDozen.com? Have a little fun and get free stuff into some of your hands.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

What: 2022 TRISTAR Hidden Treasures Autographed Basketball Jerseys
Arrives: Sept. 9
Box basics: One autographed basketball jersey per box (five boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: TRISTAR's Hidden Treasures line hits the hardwood with some of the biggest stars in the history of the game involved as either standard jerseys or as the big chase.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The National nears, new pulls, a football question, some Hall of Fame thoughts and an NBA repack for the win.

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The live-break experience that is Loupe is coming to a computer near you.

It's a big day for the live-steam app as it's adding a desktop/laptop element to its streaming services today.

"Today, Loupe is thrilled to roll out the No. 1 most-requested feature by our community: A web experience. The same Loupe you know and love, but on your browser," read the company's announcement. "Just go to loupetheapp.com on your desktop or laptop and sign into your Loupe account through Apple ID or your Google email. From there, everything works just like it does in the mobile app. Pick a stream to watch, chat with others, and purchase securely using Apple Pay or Google Pay. It couldn't be any simpler."

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: The National, non-sports chatter, Vince McMahon, talking Kaboom! and Downtown cards and "is the end near" for rookie patch autos?

Continue reading →

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Aaron Judge keeps on homering, MLB breaks, that Red Sox loss, The National and more.

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2021 Panini Phoenix football cards (Fire Burst factory set with bonus pack)
First Buzz preview: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for other formats)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

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