The greatest savage sword ever imagined is Conan the Barbarian. He is a creature born of South Texas tough guys from the early part of the 20th Century. Conan was given life by none other than Robert E. Howard. Marvel obtained the rights to recreate Conan the Barbarian in comic book style and majesty that will live through the ages. The first comic book appearance was in Conan the Barbarian #1. For the last twenty years, it has crept along at a glacial speculation pace. Imagine Conan having to cross the desert of Stygia on his hands and knees and you get the picture. Time to check-in and see how this masterful mercenary is doing from a speculation standpoint. Can Conan conquer our speculative world?

Conan the Barbarian #1

The task of bringing Conan to life was given to none other than Roy Thomas with pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith in 1970. It was a time of great turmoil, the Beatles had disbanded, Apollo 13 mission almost cratered, and sadly like today students were being killed on campus. Only in 1970, it was by our own troops! Nixon was at the height of his power and invaded Cambodia. Yes, the '70s were a lively time with lots of political upheavals. Into this carnage, Conan the Barbarian #1  strode crushing the snakes of the Earth under his sandaled feet. Conan's long-term status as the slowest moving key of the Bronze Age seems intact. Leading us to two seemingly intractable questions: one, will Conan ever catch fire in the speculative realm and secondarily, which is the stronger speculation Conan or Red Sonja?

 

Long-Term*

  • Grade 9.8 $4600 FMV returns positive +4.2%
  • GRade 9.6 $1500 FMV returns positive +47.4%
  • Grade 9.4 $1000 FMV returns positive +81.4%
  • Grade 8.0 $350 FMV returns positive +64.2%
  • Grade 6.5 $220 FMV returns positive +59.7%

 

 

Short-Term (1-year)*

  • Grade 9.8 $4600 FMV returns negative -7.3%
  • GRade 9.6 $1500 FMV returns positive +22.6%
  • Grade 9.4 $1000 FMV returns positive +50.4%
  • Grade 8.0 $350 FMV returns positive +11.5%
  • Grade 6.5 $220 FMV returns positive +11%

 

 

The long and the short of it for Conan; life is full of adventure, Conan's spirits are high, he has a strong steed underneath him, steel at his hip, and blonds at his beck and call. This key has shown stable growth over the last year with both upper grade and mid-grade participation. It is still a long haul across the Hyborean Age. But eventually, we know Conan will be crowned King of Aquilonia and just maybe pick up the speculative pace someday. Quite honestly, a catalyst is needed to spur Conan's speculative steed toward riches.

 

Conan the Barbarian #24

Truly a match for Conan is the popularity of a character who first appeared in Conan the Barbarian. But since, Red Sonja has grown into her own totally separate entity, especially at Dynamite Entertainment. Redheads really do have more fun especially Red Sonja. She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #24. The team of Barry Windsor-Smith and Roy Thomas were simply unstoppable back in the 70s fantasy age. Created in 1973 by this creative duo, Red Sonja became one of the first truly empowered women in the fantasy world that wasn't just clutching male barbarian thighs in terror. She was actually killing dudes! Yep, there is no doubt Red Sonja is fully grown into her own hero with tons of series and appearances. Check out the wonderful Red Sonja series at Dynamite. Those guys know how to draw a strong female.

 

 

Long-term*

  • Grade 9.8 $1500 FMV returns positive +100.5%
  • Grade 9.6 $400 FMV returns positive +50.6%
  • Grade 8.0 $130 FMV returns positive +71.2%
  • Grade 6.5 $75 FMV returns positive +95%

 

Conclusion:

Red Sonja has slaughtered Conan the Barbarian #24 short-sellers leaving a trail of blood and entrails in her wake. Put simply, I strongly recommend Red Sonja. Conan is great. But his time is probably further off. For now, Red Sonja is dominating fantasy with her red hair and sexy kills. Best of all, and I saved this for last, Red Sonja has a movie in the works. Cha-Ching!

* (Does not include eBay and PayPal transaction fees)

 

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