The first appearance of Alfred Pennyworth in Batman #16 is a huge key. Many fantastic actors have played "Alfred" the butler in Batman movies. I believe my personal favorite is Michael Kane in the Dark Knight. Whether you like Sean Pertwee (Gotham), Jeremy Irons (Justice League), Alan Napier (OG series), and even Ralph Fiennes as the Lego version you have to agree this character was inspired and is key to Batman's projection as one of the "power elite." Not to mention obviously Bruce Wayne's surrogate father figure. This Christmas Season it is good to give thanks for having people like Alfred in our lives. Whether it is a magical onscreen performance or as simple as someone in our life that is always there ready lend a hand in need, or a shoulder to cry on in tough times. The holidays are a good time to remember the "others" in our lives that bring a sense of community and love. Everyone has an Alfred Pennyworth in their lives to some extent. Can this Golden Age key comic born in the middle of WWII still percolate returns?
The comic book Batman #16 was created in 1943 by Cameron, Boltinoff, Fung, Kaufman, Carter (script) and Bob Kane and team (pencils). In October 2018 this issue had an $1850 FMV with an estimate high end of $15,000 FMV for a grade (8.5). The great news is that if you can get your hands on a copy there are only 182 in CGC Census inventory confirming rarity, and with increased rarity price goes, up. Like many of it's Golden Age brethren this comic book has a substantial profit return. The most notable is grade (3.0) at positive +288.9% return, followed by (6.5) at positive +192.8% ROI and the absolute delectable poor grade copies (0.5) at positive+105.3% ROI. The most recent copy sold in poor condition (0.5) moved for $358.35 in 2017 on eBay. For only a couple of hundred bucks, you own a key first appearance of Alfred Pennyworth. I absolutely love to buy poor copies.
Poor Grade
Why buy poor grade copies, Mr. Robinson? After all, they have been beaten up. They have horrible curb appeal (cover usually bad). How are you going to resell that comic book no one wants something damaged? All these are good arguments to not purchase lower grade material. But investing is about paying the smallest amount for something and getting the biggest return. Furthermore, a key to investing in poor grade comics is overall return. Is the return acceptable for the risk? I believe the risk on low grade is substantially less than any other grade.
Remember, that risk is the biggest factor in a speculative market like comics. Golly-gee-willikers the market could change away from superheroes and start following say, Westerns for heaven's sakes! The point: risk is part of the game and low initial entry fee for poor grade comic books makes this bet a much lower risk. Batman #16 has a possible return of positive +105% ROI. That is a potent return of over 100%! Where else can you find a (legal) return that large for such low risk? The stock market? I don't think so. Real estate has massive entry cost and especially today is not a guarantee of anything more than an 8% return. Simply put; more return for least risk. In every game of Clue, the butler is often accused but the only crime here is not to invest in a low-grade copy of Batman #16 the Batman's Butler.
