These days everybody is downloading apps and searching for the hot-keys, or even future-keys. Where does that leave the non-key comic books? Are they only for collectors and completists to acquire? Do they have value? Is there a trick to sifting through the haystack of non-keys to find the non-key "Wonka-Ticket?" Could this massive volume of books contain hidden treasure right out in the open? Are people running past the obvious to get to the keys?

Everyone is searching constantly for the keys. Speculators look years into the future prior to any Hollywood development and begin absorbing them into the collection. This article can seem obvious to the pros among us, but for the new speculators and collectors this might provide an easier avenue to collect and open up a few "deals." This article was written for the inexperienced comic book collecting crowd, not quite newbies, but certainly still in the speculation larvae phase.

 

"Almost everything the public at large believes is often wrong."  -Mark Twain (paraphrased)

He may have been talking about our little world of comic book speculation for many of the assumptions this crowd makes are probably skewed, significantly so. One of the most obvious troupes about this profession is to "collect the keys!" Now, this is not a bad thing or even a bad starting point; but it can lead to "keyed-up" thinking and over-emphasis. The comic book market is full of fans, first and foremost. A lot of what sells has fan base interest and Hollywood speculation tied to it.

Collectible Artists as Investment:

Captain America #193

The most obvious non-key book is to invest in a particular artist. Collecting, for instance, the Jack Kirby Captain America #193 from the 70s or the Mike Zeck Punisher #4 from the 80s. You should already be using the GoCollect.com search engine to find these gems. Can we do this with any comic? No, usually a specific artist or near mint with verification sells at a higher price once slabbed; you can always verify on GoCollect.com.

 

Amazing Spider-Man #45

Another example is from the Silver Age, John Romita's Amazing Spider-Man #45. Now, this is simply a lizard appearance hardly qualifying as a key. But it is an early John Romita from his 60s Amazing Spider-Man run and very collectible. This comic was created by Stan Lee and John Romita in 1967. This book sells in 9.8 grade for up to $3,800. This is a non-key. Basically collecting based on artists rather than a key book can be profitable, depending on price.

 

 

 

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 (Crain Variant Cover)

I did an article on Clayton Crain about a month ago. He was doing the Road Show 2 and did not disappoint. Having been to numerous events like these often you are left with a bad taste from a snobby artist or writer. It is quite a let down as a fan, to have them be rude. Not with Mr. Crain, he was courteous and friendly and took his time with each fan. I was quite impressed. Of course, his artwork speaks for itself. His covers are significant pieces to own variants of. The price of Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 (Crain Variant Cover) has gone up to $124 since a year ago. Last year (2019) within a month of publishing it was at $69; today over $100 on average. This is a nice return on a recent comic book. I believe the value of solid art is it holds its value, unlike the latest hot item.

 

Time Frame: 2-Years:

Title Grade Last Sale Return
Captain America #193 9.8 $330 N/A
9.4 $154 +145%
Amazing Spider-Man #45 9.6 $876 +16.4%
6.0 $114 +44%
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 9.8 $104 +61%

 

Conclusion:

Following an artist's work pays off, it is fun and fulfilling. In the three examples above each has returned in a range of positive +16% to +145%. That is reason enough to start broadening out your alternative investments with non-keys. Remember, always use GoCollect.com as your barometer. That way you can confirm the returns on the non-key books.

Another bennie of buying the comic books of great artists is owning something you enjoy. Then you get the added benefit of investment appreciation as an asset; a whole different form of enjoyment. No need to hockey-check your buddies into the comic bins; while jockeying for the latest keys at your LCS. Rather, simply expand your investments to include non-key books. Key books are not the only treasure in comic book collecting. Buying non-keys can be quite lucrative and fun. Enjoy!