I spent $300 on a 'complete' vintage X-Men run that was missing half the issues

Found a seller online who promised a full set of Uncanny X-Men #94-150. The pictures looked good, and the price seemed fair for the condition. When the box showed up, it was just a bunch of random filler books and only about 40 of the actual issues. The seller ghosted me after I messaged them. I should have asked for more specific photos of each comic instead of just trusting the listing. Has anyone else gotten burned on a big lot purchase like this? How do you verify a collection is actually complete before you pay?

3 comments

3 Comments

alicec862mo ago

That "complete run" promise is the biggest red flag. Sellers use it to shut down questions, betting you won't check. Always ask for a video panning slowly across every single cover, no exceptions.

jenniferc712mo ago

Totally agree with @alicec86. Saw a "complete run" listing last month for a comic series. Seller got mad when I asked for more pictures. Turns out it was missing three key issues in the middle. A slow video pan is the only way to be sure, because you can spot gaps or wrong issues. Saved me from a really bad deal.

hernandez.brooke1mo ago

Oh man, I actually read an article that said some sellers intentionally pull key issues to sell separately and still list the set as "complete." Definitely makes the video pan a must.