Alas it has been almost a year since our last Comic Market Watch update. To the faithful I send my regards and thanks for your patience. I have returned with stories from across the Nile and riches beyond your wildest dreams.
A LOT HAS CHANGED SO LET GET REFRESHED
Things are moving fast right now with the Millennium Era. I use that phrase that I coined some time ago to describe the comic market after 2012 with the release of the Avengers. The comic market had already seen a large revival since 1999 and after the birth of Marvel studios in 2006 there was a significant leap in ownership and readership and publications and popularity especially after Marvel had its first billion dollar hit. It was at this point where the Modern Era of comics ended and the Millennium Age began. In the four years since, the comic industry is still in the midst of another Renaissance and the biggest films in Hollywood are those being made based on comics. Comic books have become so popular that they even have a better value than gold in many cases.
The fear of the digital age has come and gone and in actuality it made print publications as popular as they have ever been. The number of independent artists, writers and publishers has exploded and Comic Cons rule the summers and fall. eBay and online auction sites have seen their highest prices yet and there is a solid sustainable aftermarket for comics. As long as comic films remain successful the market will always thrive. I once thought that there were too many variants but I realize now that they give so many artists a chance to shine and people will actually pay high prices for them.
You may be wondering why the listing of major conflicts to coincide with Comic Ages? Comic Ages are indirectly tied to war ever since they were used as propaganda to drum up support for the effort in the Golden Era. In the sixties the news were dominated by the Vietnam War as were comic story lines. Same way the Iraqi conflicts influence entertainment industry today. Let's not also forget the commemorative 9/11 issue Marvel released. Point being while there is war there are distractions in the form of entertainment that become products of influence. Story lines in comics tend to reflect what dominates the headlines in real life.
THE LIST
SELL
New Mutants 98: With the release of the Deadpool film by FOX being a success, the Merc with a Mouth's first appearance got a tremendous bump that has elevated the issue into grail status. One of the most coveted and now expensive Copper Age issues you were easily seeing pricing over $1000 for NM issues. Now that the debut movie has come and gone the issue has cooled off significantly going down from $360 to $330 according to ComicsPriceGuide.com. The next wave for this issue will be when Marvel reclaims the film rights to Deadpool. When that happens expect another huge leap in price probably an even bigger one than what we witnessed. For now I went ahead and sold. My issue purchased in 2014 from mycomicshop for $42.00 GD 2.0 sold recently on ebay for $120. For the grade it was the most I was gonna get especially with Deadpool 2 already on the horizon. I anticipate Fox to ruin the brand and do to the comics what they have done to Fantastic Four and X-Men back issues. If I wanted the issue again I can score a NM for $250+ on Facebook which is the real way to own the issue. That way you are looking at cracking the $1000 mark again when Marvel regains the rights.
Fantastic Four 45: This comic isn't necessarily cold but it did drop 400 from 2k to 1600. This comes off the heels that Marvel is holding off with releasing an Inhumans movie for phase 3 to make more room for Spider Man and Ant Man. It's probably a good time to sell but only if you're desperate. Marvel still has plans to release an Inhumans film but it wont be till phase 4 or beyond. The comic is a Silver Age grail so if you have it I would hold on and wait till to see how the next season of Agents of SHIELD plays out. If Inhumans start taking a backseat let her go, if they start coming back, it was meant to be.
Marvel Team-Up 95: The first appearance of Mocking Bird was once a hot item when Bobbi was kicking butt on SHIELD but a risk to try and get their own show cost them a spot on the show and when ABC announced that they wouldn't be picking up Most Wanted which would have featured Mocking Bird the comic took a nose dive.
Alias #1: Even though the show was a rousing hit Jessica Jones's first appearance never reached its full potential. Still hovering over $100 for a NM the issue still might hit the 500 club but only if it's behind plastic. With the season looking at a 2018 probable premiere maybe even longer depending how Defenders turns out, you'll have plenty of time to collect a copy. But be weary, a low print run and a successful cameo or Defenders showing can change prices in an instant.
Journey Into Mystery #103: if you were smart and purchased your copy of the first Enchantress & Executioner back when Thor 2 came out now now is the time to put it up for sale. Thor 3 has began production there is a lot of talk that Enchantress will finally make her debut and with confirmation that Skurge will be appearing this a definite hot key. Being a rare silver age key well before there was even a Thor film franchise you'll be looking at $120+ for anything above a 3.0. If you're lucky you might score a lower grade for less than a hundred but high grades on this are a rare find. If you want to make a nice return wait till the right before the first trailer drops. They book may rise in value but Thor related issues don't seem to retain their value as well as others. Maybe this one will be the exception.
BUY:
Avengers 112: Such a great book to flip. But time is winding down. GotG2 will be at SDCC and the trailer will drop soon so the first shots of Mantis will be big. I flipped this book twice for double already paying $25-$30 initially and then reselling for $65-70. Now you're paying $45+ for VG and nicer copies are harder to come by. When Mantis shows her face this one may get out of reach.
Avengers 196: Taskmaster talk is starting to heat up. Ive been pushing this one for a while and with Deadpool's success, Fox will eventually push Marvel to bring out Taskmaster.
Avengers 257: Nebula is a big part of GotG 2 apparently and if you know your Infinity Gauntlet you know know that [SPOILER ALERT]...
Walking Dead 100: Neegan just showed up on the TV Series and in the latest issue reminded everyone why he is who he is. His first appearance will sky rocket soon.
Damage Control 1: I'm still holding out for this one. Right now you can get it really cheap but word of a possible Marvel series still has people scooping this even though ABC seems to be pulling away from Marvel. Maybe it'll find a home on cable or Netflix.
Marvel Comics Presents #19: The first appearance of Damage Control. Grab it together with Marvel Age Annual #4
POWER MAN #19 : Luke Cage is set to premiere this Fall so stocking up on the main villain's first appearance is a no brainier.
The Amazing Spider-Man #265: For a long time a high grade issue was under $5 and the second rumors bubbled around of Silver Sable in the MCU prices jumped to $30+
SILVER SURFER #3 (Vol. 1): Mephisto will appear in the MCU. Especially with Strange, This key is affordable still but make no mistake if he is cast in a recurring role and not as a one off this book will be a tough find.
MARVEL SUPER-HEROES #8 First Appearance of Squirrel Girl. With the Internet already filling our heads with fake casting news you might as well hop on the bandwagon. This comic what was an afterthought not too long ago is now listing at $75 for VG's.
New Mutants #1: you wont get a huge turn around but it will sell. This is Fox's next logical move now that they exhausted X-Men and are starting to strip Deadpool.
Hulk #1 (2008): 1st Red Hulk who will play a part in the MCU in some way. Not anytime soon but it's a good issue to get now that the price is low.
MARVEL COMIC SPIDER-MAN VS WOLVERINE #1: Let's face it you won't see Sony and Fox teaming up now that Sony is on Marvel's side. Or will you?
Marvel Special Edition 15 First Appearance Shang-chi: Another Netflix candidate. There are some that say he is getting his own show but I'm skeptical of that. I can see him be cast to play a big role in Iron Fist and then do so well he is given his own show. Dare I say Donnie Yen...
Marvel Spotlight #5: People are talking that just cause they saw a flaming chain in an advertisement for Agents of SHIELD it will be Ghost Rider making an appearance on SHIELD but what many of those people are fail to remember is how Marvel TV and Film don't like to share. Maybe that will change. I doubt it though.
Marvel Team-Up #1: People are getting this thinking that Spidey will have a team up movie but the better reason to get it is that it is the first appearance of Misty Knight who will appear of Netflix's Luke Cage.
Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-man #64 1st Cloak and Dagger: Rumors are rampant that this due will replace the not launched Most Wanted so scooping this is a great idea. Right now it demands a $30-$45 for mid grades so get it now so that you can double your money if an announcement is made.
She-Hulk comic #1 1980: A must grab. Since Hulk didn't work out and Marvel wants more female leads and movies this is a hot key to have. There are plenty of High Grades out there for low prices still but the rush has already pushed prices upward.
Marvel Comics Presents #72 (1991) 1st Weapon X Issue: With Hugh Jackman's time as Wolverine winding down many are speculating whether we might see a Weapon X incarnation to try and keep the actors success going. It's a very cheap but and let's be real a classic story with awesome art so why not grab it now.
New Avengers (2005 1st Series) #4 First Maria Hill : Two reason I got this. One I think the new Director of SHIELD may be Maria Hill and two the cover. Spider Woman's assets caused quite a stir recently and it's funny how this cover slipped through unnoticed. Might as well get it before someone notices.
War Is Hell #9 First Death Appearance: Death is guaranteed to appear in a future MCU Phase 3 film so jumping on all her key issues is a smart move.
MILLENNIUM KEYS
Millennium Keys are book released in the Millennium Age that are already must have key issues. Here are some recent one you might want to get sooner than later.
Howard the Duck #1 (1st Print Regular Cover) 2nd 2015 Series 1st Gwenpool Story: You saw what happened with Deadpool. You've seen what is happening with Gwen Stacy and Spider-Gwen. Don't be a fool and overlook Gwenpool just cause it's not the most dazzling of characters. It's all about the idea and grabbing the issue at it's most affordable price and sitting on it to resell for the highest return possible. It may not be today or tomorrow or even decades from now but I made the mistake with Deadpool not to stock up on that comic even though it was everywhere.
Secret Avengers #23: The first appearance of Agent Venom is an early Millennium Age release just experienced a nice price hike. According to CPG prices went from $4 to $12 but when I checked eBay recently sold listing prices were between $25-$35.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 (2014) 1ST APPEARANCE OF SILK: Female empowerment and diversity are on the rise at Marvel and if you don't like it too bad. Grab this first appearance before it disappears and then you kicking yourself when Sony introduces her sooner rather than later.
Invincible Iron Man #7 & #9 1st Riri Williams: The successor to Tony Stark is a 15 year black girl and the bigots are out in full force. All the hate and cries of controversy are driving the price up and collectors are loving it. Expect Invincible Iron Man #1 to rocket in value as well right out of the gate.
Walking Dead #156 -Death of [SPOILER ALERT] A Neegan story line that is an instant classic. This issue will drive the price of 100 up even further.
SECRET AVENGERS #21B Venom Variant Cover: There is something about Venom variant covers that drive people wild. This one is no different. An early Millennium Age release it recently experienced a price jump from $35 to $150 according to comicspriceguide.com Value Updates.
Outcast #1: This one is a wild card. Kirkman brought zombies to the Millennium Age and now he is trying to bring demons to the mainstream. The TV series already premiered to positive reviews but the question is will it catch on like Walking Dead? I'm not sure but I'm at least grabbing a few copies.
Ebay Watch List Top Ten:
10. Amazing Spider-Man 252
9. MARVEL SUPER-HEROES #8
8. The Walking Dead #138
7. Elvira's House of Mystery #1
6. Marvel Spotlight #5
5. Amazing Spider-Man #654 (2011 Marvel) 2nd Print Variant
4. DC Super-Stars Secret Origins of Super-Heroes #17
3. Strange Tales #115
2. The Amazing Spider-Man #361
1. MARVEL SUPER-HEROES #13
I know there are tons more that I missed but seriously this is an 8 minute read already so until next time!