Nobody wants to own an asset with declining value, but it happens. It could be your favorite Devil Dinosaur or one of The New Gods, the first appearance of a pesky raccoon hero, or even a Master of the Universe laid low. Yes, what goes up must inevitably come down, in this case particularly, bronze age comics.  Comics change directions constantly, simply ask a collector of Western comics from the '40-the '60s. Yep, that decline is still ongoing. For our purposes, as speculators, we want a volatile market it makes for better prices and greater swings. 

What is to be gained from tracking falling comics? To put it simply, plan old insight. Far too often I have seen retailers drag their collective feet before lowering prices on books that are clearly past their prime. The result is that small losses turn into bigger ones. What are the comics that have lost popularity over the last month? Further, how sharp is the decline in returns for these stars of yesterday?

Devil Dinosaur #1

Devil Dinosaur #1 is ranked at #150 and has fallen 91 ranks. This rather odd creation is from Jack Kirby he did the script, the editing, and the pencils on this T-Rex. Created in 1978 this beast has languished as a joke for over 40 years and then suddenly popularity. The Devil Dino was about two years ago all the rage; this is probably due to some hype or another. Well now, this Dino is about to join his extinct brethren in the late Cretaceous period more than 68 million years ago as he falls from the heavens like a Teradactyl with a severed wing. 

 

 

 

Masters of the Universe #1

Masters of the Universe #1 is ranked #158 and has fallen 67 ranks. This is the first full comic devoted to Masters of the Universe.  This comic was created in 1982 by the script of Paul Kupperberg, the pencils of George Tuska, and inks of Giordano and Alcala. Well, He-Man might rule the Underoo crowd but here he has fallen like a 100 pound weakling on the playground. 

 

The New Gods #1

The New Gods #1 is ranked #163 and has fallen 102 ranks in the last month. It was created in 1971 by Jack Kirby and is truly his baby having done the editing, script, and pencils on his God's title. Though at the time really kind of a dud, now it is seen as classic, you be the judge...

 

 

Incredible Hulk #271

Incredible Hulk #271 is has fallen 145 ranks and is the first appearance of Rocket Racoon. This galactic raccoon appears to be in some kind of popularity tailspin after riding high for several Guardians movies and even appearing in The Avengers. Now with the slow down of moviegoers, and everyone hiding at home, this character is all but forgotten. 

 

 

 

Title Grade Rank/Decline Return (90 days)
Devil Dinosaur #1 9.2 #150/ Decline 91 -12.3%
Masters of the Universe #1  9.4 #158/ Decline 67 -28.6%
The New Gods #1  9.2 #163/ Decline 102 -24.3%
Incredible Hulk #271 9.2 #165/ Decline 145 -17.3%

Conclusion

An interesting aspect of these four declining stocks is that the majority seem to be losing the most return trend around the 9.2 grade. Further, not all of the declines are uniform often as in the Masters of the Universe #1. Most grades were showing promising returns except in that case 9.4 grade. You always want to check trends on GoCollect before selling bronze age comics because the grades often do not work in synchronicity. As you ride your dinosaur off into the sunset, remember, you could get off that beast and simply sell it. Happy holidays!