Ep 15. Certified Guaranty

In the fifteenth episode of the third season of Comic Book Men, titled "Certified Guaranty," the show's cast returns to the Stash, where they continue to explore the world of comic book collecting, pop culture, and fandom. The episode features several segments, each of which is themed around a particular comic book or pop culture phenomena.

In the first segment, Ming and Walt discuss the issue of certification and grading when it comes to comic books. They introduce the concept of CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), a professional grading service that assigns a numerical grade to comics based on their condition, and discuss how this grading system affects the value of different comics. As they talk, they examine some rare and valuable comics that have been certified by CGC, demonstrating how even small differences in condition can have a significant impact on the price.

In the second segment, Bryan and Ming explore the world of high-end action figures, examining some detailed and intricately designed figures from popular franchises like Star Wars, The Walking Dead, and The Lord of the Rings. They discuss the various features and accessories that come with these figures, and talk about the different ways in which they can be displayed and enjoyed. As they demonstrate some of the figures, they share their own personal experiences as collectors and fans.

In the third segment, Walt and Bryan take a trip to a local flea market, where they hunt for rare and unusual items that they can add to their collection. As they scour the market, they encounter a range of weird and wonderful objects, from old-school arcade games to classic vinyl records. Along the way, they also engage in some spirited banter, discussing everything from the merits of different superhero costumes to the importance of preserving pop culture artifacts for future generations.

In the fourth and final segment, the whole gang gathers to play a game of "What's in the Box?" In this game, one person selects a mystery item from a box, and the others must guess what it is by asking yes-or-no questions. The item in question turns out to be an obscure and surprising piece of pop culture memorabilia, leading to a lively discussion about the obscure corners of fandom, and the many ways in which fans can express their love for their favorite characters and franchises.

Overall, "Certified Guaranty" is a lively and engaging episode of Comic Book Men that showcases the breadth and depth of the show's love for all things pop culture. Through its various segments, the episode demonstrates how fans can connect with their favorite franchises in diverse and exciting ways, whether it's through collecting rare comics, displaying intricate action figures, tracking down obscurities at flea markets, or engaging in playful games and banter with friends.