September 8, 2024, SuperManila Comic Con, Makati City Philippines. I was very ‘rich’ with assistants that weekend! :-) Left to right: Francis, Jovelyn, moi, Joyce, and Rossalyn.
Slight deviations from my ‘CLOSED’ status
If you follow my site or social media, you’ve likely noticed that I occasionally take small steps away from my “nothing work-related” vow.
Conventions: I attended a few shows last year, sticking to those relatively close and within the same time zone. This hasn’t yet led to long-distance or frequent travel — but baby steps. :-)
Signatures: Occasionally, I agree to sign items here in Manila. On those occasions, the collector or company has shipped internationally via FedEx Global Returns.
Use a FedEx Global Returns shipping method that allows pre-paid return shipping.
Print three return labels and (for customs) three filled commercial invoices. Place the unfolded, printed labels and invoices into a flat envelope inside the securely packed box before sealing.
Once the package arrives, I unpack, sign, and repack using the same box and packing materials (to maintain consistent weight). Then, I schedule a FedEx pickup using the return labels and commercial invoices — no need to leave my condo.
If you’re interested in pursuing signatures, email me with details. I’ll provide a ship-to address so that you can get a shipping price quote from FedEx. Note that for submissions numbering under 10 items, signatures are USD 30 each; for 10 items or more, USD 20 each. PayPal or Zelle are requested payment methods.
If you want to have your books CGC graded, an authorized facilitator is here in Manila.
In that case, you would send the books to me ‘one-way’ and pay me directly for the sigs only.
The facilitator would come to me to witness signatures and be responsible for prepping and shipping the books to CGC. I would connect you with him, and you would pay him directly for all CGC-related fees.
Graded books will be shipped back to you from CGC, as usual.
What’s Still Closed: My CLOSED status still applies to covers, interiors, commissions, remarks, long-distance convention travel, podcasts, and print or virtual interviews or events. And, a reminder that I don’t have any original art pages here, nor any sketches ‘just lying around.’ ;-)
— Mike (updated April 2025)