The temperature outside may be rising but certain comic books are getting cold.  The books on this list have been very volatile.  One minute they are targets for everyone and the next moment no one seems to want them.  Right now these books are colder than the iceberg that struck the Titanic.  Here are the books dropping in the Bronze Age comics market. Please remember, the numbers are constantly changing based on the most recent sales. 

I.  Bronze Age Comics Lead Balloon Big Loser #1

Moon Knight #1 (Newsstand Edition) (-52 )

A. Key Features Of The Book

This is the first self-titled issue that also features the first appearance of Konshu.  This book also features the origin of Moon Knight. Newsstand copies are issues that book stores and other retailers could return if not sold.  Some comic book collectors consider these copies to be variant editions.

B. External Factors Driving This Book

The last episode of the Disney+ series dropped when this report was drafted.  The comic book market rule appears to be once the series/movie hits the book gradually loses its luster.  That rule is very evident here, but....

C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data

The book with the most demand for every comic book age is Moon Knight #1.  The newsstand copy may be dropping but demand for the direct issue is still there.  The problem is that demand does not always equal price increases.  Here, books are moving but prices are dropping for both versions of the book in general.

Reviewing the numbers shows how all sales should be analyzed. Every grade for the newsstand version is dropping in value from the 90 to 30-day averages, except the 9.4 grade.

The problem with this grade is the May 7 fixed sale for $275.  This figure skewed the numbers upward for the grade. This was one of the highest grades of books sold and the buyer seemed to pay a premium to get this book.

Newsstand copies may be rarer than their direct edition counterparts but there were probably better options available on a book that is dropping in value.

D. Future Outlook

The market is not looking good for the newsstand or regular issue.  Hot books may be hot because sellers do not want to get burned. A buyers market exists right now, so it might be wise to buy on the dip and hold the book to see if another installment of the television series will be green-lighted. Think of the strategy recommended for Ms. Marvel #1.

I.  Bronze Age Comics Lead Balloon Big Loser #2

Hero for Hire #1  (-50)

A. Key Features Of The Book

This is the first appearance of Luke Cage in his own self-titled series.  This book features the double attraction of a first issue with the character's first appearance. Collectors love this type of book.

B. External Factors Driving This Book

Fans believed that when the Netflix show was done, demand for this issue was done as well.  The series appearing on the Disney platform drove interest in the book.  Investors and speculators have short-term attention spans and that appears to be what is at play here.

C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data

Market manipulation, major fan, or FOMO.  That is the question when the 6.0 30-day average is compared with other grades' 30-day average.  An April 28 auction produced a  $570 sale for a 6.0 copy.

The bidders could have had a 7.5 copy at Heritage Auctions on April 12 or a 7.0 copy for $558 at an eBay auction on May 7.  Bids like this can skew the numbers, so be careful and watch the market.

D. Future Outlook

This book will always be in demand.  The issue is how much demand and at what price.  FOMO is real. Mike Colter had a great take on Luke Cage and fans expect the character to re-appear in the MCU.  The problem is that everyone was infected with FOMO at the same when the series appeared on Disney+.  The incubation period for FOMO for this issue strain appears to be a month.  Interest wanes and prices drop.  Buy on the dip and hold.

I.  Bronze Age Comics Lead Balloon Big Loser #3

Wolverine Limited Series #2 (-47) 

A. Key Features Of The Book

This is the second issue of the classic mini-series.  This issue features the first appearance of the heroine Yukio.

B. External Factors Driving This Book

People heard the familiar tones of Patrick Stewart and like sailors to a muse, investors were drawn in.  Mutants will be coming to the MCU.  Speculators got infected with FOMO and this book was in play.

C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data

The 9.8 grades rose in value when comparing the 90-day and 30-day averages.  All other grades dropped.  What is interesting is that Wolverine Limited Series #4 was the 4th biggest loser, dropping 45 spots.  This issue has fewer graded books when compared with issue #2.  That may be impacting prices.  9.4 and 9.2 grades of Wolverine #4 have a higher price than the same grades of issue #2 while a 9.6 copy has the exact same value of $140 for the 30-day averages.

D. Future Outlook

The prices are not great for this book except in the 9.8 grade.  The cause may have been, again, the dreaded mutant strain of FOMO.  Investors and speculators want to get in on key books before they explode in value caused by any MCU news.

In this case, the news was tenuous at best but the MCU wave became a tsunami before anyone bothered to compose themselves.  Now, the market is adjusting and prices are dropping.  The more people lose interest in these books, the lower the prices will hit.  If you want to have a book that holds its value, buy the 9.8 grade.

Spotlight on a Bronze Age Comics Lead Balloon Future Candidate

Incredible Hulk #182

This is a bonus book for the list.  The book dropped 30 spots and was a candidate for our lead balloon awards.  FOMO has a way of infecting many in the market and this book was impacted.  The saving grace is that higher grades of this book rose in value when comparing the 90 to 30-day averages.

FOMO has different degrees of infection.  Investing in the 3rd appearance of Wolverine is not a bad way to go if you do suffer from FOMO.  This book has long-term potential and investors and collectors realize it.  Many may not be able to afford the first two appearances of Wolverine, but this issue is still within the reach of many hobbyists.  Demand may be down, but not prices.  Now may be a great time to buy!

Want more Bronze Age analysis?

UNDERVALUED & OVERLOOKED COMICS – BRONZE AGE
HOT 10-DAY BRONZE AGE COMICS WITH 30-DAY POTENTIAL
BEYOND THE HYPE…NEW BRONZE AGE COMICS MOVING IN THE MARKET

Are you investing your dollars in Bronze Age comics? Let us know in the comments!

Bronze Age comics*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.