• Yes. Captain America indeed once used meth.

Here we examine the financial activity of a basket of similar comic books centered on the theme of substance abuse, both alcohol and drugs. The purpose of this article isn’t to preach moralities or serve in an interventional capacity; rather, it’s to examine if any warrant long-term monetary investment.

 

GREEN LANTERN #85

In this story arc "Snowbirds Don't Fly,” Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen uncover Roy “Speedy” Harper’s addiction to heroin. At one point in story, both Green Lantern and Green Arrow are captured, and they too are injected with the drug.

Below is the sales data for CGC 9.8 and 9.6 of Green Lantern #85:

Over the last 6 years, the average prices for this book have been flat. Interestingly, while 9.6 sells in a small range, 9.8 sells a large range from $800 to $1200. This book isn’t suitable for long-term investment, but the volatility in the 9.8 could be an interesting quick flip, provided you can buy at the low end of the range.

 

IRON MAN #128

While the “Demon in a Bottle” story arc begins in Iron Man #120, the iconic cover is at the end with #128.

Below is the sales data for CGC 9.8:

There was a larger volume of sales in Q4 2018 and Q1 2019, possibly due to the speculation of Tony Stark succumbing to depression following the defeat in Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

While the book is able to retain value, its slow growth rate is not attractive enough for opening a position.

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #96

The mystique surrounding this book isn’t so much the story’s theme as it is Comic Code Authority not approving it. A bit of a “Streisand effect.”

Below is the sales data for CGC 9.8 and 9.6:

The 9.8 has a slight upward trend, but the fidelity of this is questionable due to the low volume of sales. This uncertainty is further supported by the flat sale prices and equally low volume of sales for 9.6. Of the books mentioned in this article so far, ASM #96 commands the highest prices. Likewise, it technically offers a slightly higher growth rate at a 9.8 grade; although again, the low volume of sales poses a risk.

 

MISC

The two books below would help complete a collection centered on the theme of substance abuse, but don’t necessarily meet the threshold for financial investment. Very low volume of sales and relatively low prices.

Captain America #375 (1990)

In this issue, Captain America is initially exposed to meth when a lab explodes. After inhaling the fumes, the effects of the meth get supercharged in his body by the super-soldier serum already present. The high is so intoxicating Captain America even searches the streets for his next fix.  The latest sales of note is a CGC 9.8 on 12/30/2018 for $70 and 9.6 on 11/23/2017 for $10

 

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16 (1991)

In the “Venom” story arc, after Bruce Wayne fails to save a young girl, he starts taking the performance enhancing drug Venom. The drug ultimately leads him down a dark path. Interestingly, this issue is also the 1st appearance of the same Venom that is later used by Bane.

There are no CGC sales recorded yet for this book on eBay. Raw copies of the book in the FN-NM range currently sell on eBay just above the MSRP.

 

“It’s okay to take a nap or something.” – Sue Storm