Today we look at three different Vulture comic books at three very different price points for collectors flying at different heights.
$ - Affordable
At the lower end of the Vulture market is Amazing Spider-Man #387. The striking cover art by Mark Bagley and Randy Emberlin features a young Vulture complete with a full head of red hair while he drains the energy out of an old-aged Spider-Man. In the story, the mechanism that allows this transformation scenario to play out is the Juvenator machine designed by a Dr. Benita Sanchez (who makes her first appearance just one issue prior to ASM #386).
In the last three years, CGC 9.8s of Amazing Spider-Man #387 regularly sell for around the $50 level. Optimistically, the market value can’t really go much lower; basically covering the cost of slabbing and shipping. Furthermore, on the very, very, very off chance that Sony/Marvel Studios ever reboots the current iteration of the Vulture to a young new thespian, this book could benefit. Odds of that happening? I'd say more like one out of a million. So you're telling me there's a chance.
Vulture Fact: The largest vulture species in the world, the Andean condor can have a wingspan up to 3.3 meters.
$$ - Moderate
In the middle market range is Amazing Spider-Man #48. The cover art by John Romita Sr. features the Vulture seen from behind with his face obscured; spoiler alert, it is none other than Raniero “Blackie” Drago who makes his first appearance as the Vulture. While in prison, Drago tricks his dying cellmate Adrian Toomes into revealing where his Vulture suit was hidden. Drago escapes and goes on quite the crime spree as the new Vulture. His success in a fight against Spider-Man even draws the jealousy of fellow villain Kraven the Hunter.
For this book, we’ll be looking at the market for the CGC grades comprising the top 10-20% of the CGC census; specifically, CGC 9.4-9.2 which has an FMV range of $425-$400. Over the last decade, sales prices have trended upwards slowly and steadily. The returns with respect to percentage were better at the lower 9.2 grade than 9.4 grade; a difference of roughly 2x vs 1.5x. One interesting irregularity, the sales volume for 9.4s noticeably decreased after mid-2014; as many sold in the 2.5 years from 2012 to mid-2014, as did during the 6 years from mid-2014 to mid-2020.
$$$ - Expensive
At the high end of the Vulture range is, without surprise, his first appearance key of Amazing Spider-Man #2. The high flying prices for this book are surely also further helped by the low issue number within the Amazing Spider-Man series; it’s as low as you can get without it being the #1. Three different vulture price points have also brought us three different cover artists; with ASM #2’s being Steve Ditko. In the story, Peter Parker is tasked by J. Jonah Jameson to get pictures of NYC’s newest jewelry thief, the Vulture.
Looking at a similar top 10-20% of the CGC census, we focus on the grading range of CGC 7.5-6.5, which currently has an FMV of $3,800-$3,200. Overall, the market outlook for this book is very positive, and easily the best out of all three books featured here. The sales prices are high, but waiting for a large dip to buy-in could be a mistake as it has shown a long history of slow and steady growth. This accelerated around late-2016.
VULTURE OVERALL
Surprisingly, of the grades observed, the percent returns of Amazing Spider-Man #2 (CGC 7.5-6.5) were just slightly higher than those of the above Amazing Spider-Man #48 (CGC 9.4-9.2). With a middling price point, Amazing Spider-Man #48 could offer an interesting investment opportunity. Granted you’d have to move a larger volume. Additionally, the market activity of a wider grading range for ASM #48 would need to be examined to confirm.
“I fought Daredevil. I was in the Sinister Six. I'm faster, stronger, and smarter than a hundred men my age. No flunky with a pistol gets the drop on me.” - Vulture
Have you upgraded to a premium subscription yet? Our fees will increase on 8/3 but you can maintain our low rates for life! Upgrade today and ensure your subscription doesn't lapse.
