Anyone who has played the game of craps knows that when the dealer yells "snake eyes" it means the worst possible result. The current dice roller loses as does everyone betting with him. But it has a cool sound to it and therefore the G.I. Joe toy manufacturer decided it would sell toys. Fast forward several decades and a few successful "Joe" movies and "Snake Eyes" is being put into production, a movie due out next year featuring the origin story of Snake-Eyes for the G.I. Joe Universe.

Snake-Eyes first appeared in comics in G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #1 along with most of the team. The first appearance is still the preeminent book but has this new catalyst for the Snake-Eyes origin story caused an uptick in G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #26? What kind of returns has this book had for the last two years? How will pushing the movie premiere out another year impact its price?

 

 

G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #26

The origin of Snake-Eyes is now front and center as an entire movie has finally been scheduled to bring us this enigmatic and deadly warrior. This origin of Snake-Eyes part 1 was written by Larry Hama, with pencils by Larry Hama. Must be nice to have a dual talent like writing and art, geez, nicely done Larry! Suffice it to say, good Larry brings this popular G.I. to life. This could fall in either the Bronze or Copper Age, but I believe it is a pure Copper Age key.

Movie Catalyst

This book has a movie catalyst, has been largely underrated until the movie was announced a while back, but there is still time to own it. Obviously, the most important of the keys is the first appearance of a character; then the second appearance which runs about equal with many origin story issues. What kind of returns has this inauspicious little book given us since a major catalyst was announced? Have the last two years been feast or famine for this G.I. Joe #26?

 

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #1

Snake Eyes first appeared in this popular comic book G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #1. It has most of the "Joe" team in it and is a multiple key book. Based on a toy line that is even more popular than its comics. The toy biz for G.I. Joe is simply huge and moves a ton of stuff via eBay. How does this comic book match up to the comic book origin story of Snake-Eyes?

 

 

 

 

 

Title Grade Last Sale CGC Census Return
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #26 9.8 $730 53 +61.7%
8.5 $45 3 +22.7%
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #1 9.8 $550 677 +50%
8.5 $85 191 +43.8%

 

The obvious thing with this matchup is the difference in CGC Census books. G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #26 has only 53 books outstanding in 9.8! This is phenomenal news given the last sale price was $180 above the first appearance! This is a crazy comic book speculation world we live in, for sure. This disparity translates to a lot more room for the book to run, possibly even a shortage of copies of G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #26. This could mean a much safer investment, possibly even retaining some of its gain after the movie premieres.

Conclusion:

This book is a solid bet until next October 2021 when they will attempt to release the movie. Now the guy directing this movie also did that movie R.I.P.D. This directing choice does not inspire confidence in a potential hit movie. However, this key is on a solid price trajectory and making money. The best bet is to buy a 9.8 grade while it is still reasonable. After all, this year alone it has gone up positive +23%! Don't roll "snake eyes" at the speculation crap table, pick up a copy before you crap out.