Have the inflated modern first appearances become too much for you? Those aren't the only debuts worth having, and these five are cheaper with strong upsides.
Modern first appearances can skyrocket overnight. Take DC's latest sensation, Naomi. She debuted in January's Naomi #1, and it's already averaging over $200 in the past three months. We've seen this happen several times over the past two years, and it's a trend that won't be changing anytime soon, which you can read more about in yesterday's "Top-Five New Characters: What's Their Worth?"
When it comes to these new characters, if you miss getting a copy when it's released, then you're stuck paying inflated prices or miss out entirely. However, not all the modern first appearances are out of reach just yet. Below you'll find five keys in the 9.8 grades that have 90-day averages under $100 with the potential to gain value as the characters become more important.
90-Day FMV: $83
Last Sale: $110
How can I write about popular new characters without mentioning Knull, God of the Symbiotes? He made his first cameo appearance in 2013's Thor: God of Thunder #6, which is the more valuable of Knull's firsts. However, he technically didn't make his first full appearance as Knull until last year. Donny Cates has kept him in the spotlight, and he recently made a surprise appearance in Silver Surfer: Black. Clearly he's being set to become a larger threat to the entire Marvel Universe and not just a Venom villain.
90-Day FMV: $82
Last Sale: $70
After being hinted and alluded to for several issues, the Hulk came face-to-face with the One Below All when the Green Goliath ventured into Hell itself. Since then, we haven't seen or heard from the One Below All, but with death and immortality such a major theme in Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk run, I can't see this character staying gone for too long. Will he play a bigger role in the Marvel Universe? We can only hope.
90-Day FMV: $51
Last Sale: $43
While not a major character, this issue introduced Eddie Brock's son, Dylan. As the series continues to explore Eddie and Dylan's father/son relationship, Dylan has slowly become more important. The speculation is that he will continue to evolve and change into a valuable character, which will up the price for Venom #7 exponentially.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #798 (2018)
90-Day FMV: $42
Last Sale: $45
This comic was red hot in the summer of 2018, but after "Go Down Swinging" wrapped up its story arc, ASM #798 cooled off tremendously. I made a prediction in "Invest in These Four Keys Today," and I will reiterate: the Red Goblin could eventually play a role in the MCU. With Norman Osborn rumored to be on his way into the cinematic universe, it stands to reason that Marvel Studios could adapt the Red Goblin for an onscreen monster. If that happens, this issue will rekindle its romance with collectors.
90-Day FMV: $41
Last Sale: $40
While he's not yet generated the popularity of the Batman Who Laughs, the Grim Knight is cut from the same creative cloth. Introduced in the BWL's solo series, the Grim Knight is a ruthless, authoritative Batman who has no adversity to using guns and knives and killing anyone who doesn't share his vision of crime fighting. Basically he's Batman if Frank Castle were under the cowl. As the BWL limited series wraps up, we can cross our fingers that the Grim Knight will become a bigger threat to Gotham City and beyond.
