In comic books, there are heroes and villains. Batman and the Joker. Superman and Lex Luthor. While the real world isn’t quite as…colorful, there are heroes and villains here too. Take Randy Lawrence, he is Pedigree Comics’ comic art consignment director and he amassed an amazing collection of Batman and Detective Comics issues over the years. His collection included so many amazing and classic issues, including Batman #2, that its estimated value was $1.4 million.
Unfortunately that collection, which was kept in an indoor storage unit in Boca Raton, Florida, was recently stolen from. Mr. Lawrence. The victim wrote a letter in regards to the situation:
I had probably the worst day today that we all fear. 439 CGC graded books were STOLEN from my indoor air-conditioned double locked storage unit. As you all know me for many years I have strived to put together the best Batman & Detective Comics collection out there. I have been the number one registered set on both titles for many years with CGC.
I know that many of you have experienced items being stolen in the past, but for me this is a first and on such a high level it’s been devastating…as this collection was my nest egg, and I had worked so hard and done without for so long to put this together that it being taken away from me this way has left me in a very bad way.
The situation isn’t completely without hope, however. Lawrence does have an idea of who might’ve stolen his collection. He is also asking for help from the community to keep an eye out for his Batman and Detective Comics issues popping up for sale.
We might know who the robber is, and I am working with the police to get more information…but in the meantime I wanted to let you all know what’s going on, and to be aware if any of my books are brought to you for sale, I hope you can help me get them back as this many books coming into the market will make a splash. I don’t know if he is going to be smart enough to take them out of the slabs or will try and sell them as they are…but as I mentioned I have them all on the CGC registry and they can be identified. The books that were taken were the cream of the crop, and are probably valued at $1.4 million.
I am truly devastated and really need you all to be aware and keep your eyes open…as they will probably be offered to some of you sooner than later. I will send you all the list of the missing books with the cert #’s and pedigree names shortly. In the meantime, if any truly high grade Bat’s or Detectives come your way, PLEASE let me know asap.
I truly appreciate all the help you can give, as we are all a very close knit small community and look out for each other when these bad things happen.
Sincerely,
Randy Lawrence
581-886-8777
Obviously, this is terrible news and must be devastating to Mr. Lawrence. We implore all of our DKN readers to reach out to Mr. Lawrence and/or the proper authorities if you see an issue from his collection for sale.