I have often thought that declaring the true value of a package is a bad idea.

Earlier this month, I picked up three Cerebus pages from Bryan E, from whom I have picked up more than a few items. One of them needed to be taken out of its frame, while the other two were set to go.

Sent out right away: Cerebus 173 page 14 and Cerebus 195 page 12

The USPS box arrived. Notably, the brown paper tape on one end had been clipped open and then re-sealed with clear plastic tape. Inside, instead of the Cerebus pages attached to their foam core protection, there were a couple of coverless issues of Sports Illustrated. WTF?

Without prompting, Bryan notes that he always uses brown packing tape and attaches the pieces, wrapped in plastic sleeves, to foam core.

Near as we can figure, and this really is merely speculation, someone’s curiosity got the better of them when this lightweight parcel was listed with a 4-figure insurance value, and they stole them. Opened the package and re-taped it, matching the weight with a couple of magazines (covers removed, I suppose, because of the mailing labels… some poor suckers did not get their Sports Illustrated issues that month, either.

And to make things worst (and this is a sharp lesson)… although they were insured, proving that one has gotten an empty box in the mail (as opposed to damaged goods) was impossible to do. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

These are Bryan’s scans… the only lingering evidence of the pages. I’ve posted to the various “stolen art” forums and listed them as MIA in other places. If they ever do hit the market, someone doing their due diligence will contact me. At which point I send cousin Guido and the ol’ pine slugger to do a job on someone’s kneecaps.

Cerebus 173 page 14 (1993)
by Dave Sim (1956-) & Gerhard (1959-)
11 x 17 in., ink and tone on board
(AWOL) 
Cerebus 195 page 12  (1995)
by Dave Sim (1956-) & Gerhard (1959-)
11 x 17 in., ink and tone on board
(AWOL)

And, at least, here is the one that did not get away because it needed to be taken out of its frame and was sent separately.

Cerebus 188 page 4 (1994)
by Dave Sim (1956-) & Gerhard (1959-)
11 x 17 in., ink and tone on board
Coppola Collection

And, just for fun and/or sympathy, the terrific splash page from issue 195: Cerebus looks over his shoulder and wonders where page 12 has gone.

Cerebus 195 page 1 (1995)
by Dave Sim (1956-) & Gerhard (1959-)
11 x 17 in., ink and tone on board
Coppola Collection