Next up in my dehoarding efforts: Autographs!

I love collecting autographs. I love the connection you get with a personal hero. Sure, it's a fleeting one, one they'll undoubtedly forget almost immediately. But you'll still have that memento, that proof that you once met this person and got to talk to him or her about the effect they may have had on your life.

I don't sell autographs I've gotten in person, for that reason and because I don't want celebrities to stop having those moments with fans for fear that their generosity of time will end up… well, on eBay, frankly. They give a lot of their time to fans and we appreciate it, we shouldn't run off and make a buck.

That said, occasionally I'll buy one myself, from a reputable source, to fill a hole in a collection. And if I later get the fortunate opportunity to get another directly from the actor or writer or musician in question, it leaves me with an extra. I figure the celebrity was compensated for the bought one (usually from a convention or arranged signing) so I don't feel as weird selling it myself.  So here's what's up so far:

Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres preprints: I can't stand auctions that aren't clear regarding autographs and preprints so let me say it outright. These are copies of original autographed photos, but they were not themselves signed. There's no indication that either actor ever personally touched these prints. That said, they're pretty cool and would nicely decorate a Browncoat's wall. 8"x10", one of each.

Morena Baccarin as Inara: Whereas this is an actual, signed-in-person, autographed photo. Authenticated by Creation Entertainment, with their certificate of authenticity on the back. 8"x10", glossy.

Amber Benson as Tara: This is a gorgeous photo. Signed by Amber at a Metro Entertainment signing (CofA included). 8"x10" glossy. Hard-to-see wear on the top from being in a frame.

Auctions for all three end next Tuesday night. Don't miss out!

Posted a new entry — I know! — over at my 24/7 blog on collecting autographs through the mail, with examples.

I was inspired after receiving a Stephen Colbert autograph, a mere 23 months after I sent in my request. Never give up, autograph hunters! Never surrender!

Which is kinda ironic because I had given up sending out autograph requests, but now I kinda want to start again. Also a post office within range finally started carrying International Reply Coupons again after months of postal workers assuring me (despite what their website says) that they weren't carrying them any more, which means I can start haranguing Doctor Who people now. Geronimo!

Sad I missed requesting Dollhouse autographs while they were all in one place, and I suspect after the Emmy win Jim Parsons is going to be tougher to get now. Ah, what the hell, Sheldon would try it.

Angel issues #24 and 25 were written by Juliet Landau and Brian Lynch with art by Franco Urru, and Drusilla's in rare form. She's also in an asylum, but they don't seem quite up to the task of containing her. Assuming that's the plan, anyway…

Reportedly Landau provided a great deal of input and reference material for the artwork, and it shows. Urru captured her graceful unearthy movements beautifully, which of course makes her all the more horrifying.

And now Juliet Landau is offering autographed versions of both comics, in any of the four variant covers done for each. $30 each, and you can even specify a personalized message (up to 200 characters). Click here to check 'em out.

(If you just want the comics, try TFAW.com)

Well, relatively cheap. Way cheaper than you'll find on eBay, certainly.

258 Authentic is having a blowout sale and selling Serenity comics signed by Adam Baldwin, Ron Glass and Morena Baccarin. I've bought several of these from him before, they're just as promised with a certificate of authenticity included. This is an excellent price for an autograph alone, and you get the comic as well! (Read it carefully)

I'm expanding my pimping from Serenity to other interests, so this is Adam Baldwin from Chuck, Alan Tudyk from Dollhouse, and Morena Baccain from V. Ahem.

Thanks to whedonesque for the heads up.