Before Spider-Man was ever famous elementary school students knew the name of this particular antagonist across the U.S.A. In fact, for most kids, it is synonymous with candy and the fun of trick-or-treating. In addition, his representation sits on everyone's lawn during the month of October. I am writing of course of Jack O' Lantern. Astonishing as this might sound, he did not appear first in a Spidey comic. No sir-ee! Jack O' Lantern first appeared in Machine Man #19.

During this month of spirits and sprites, it seemed fitting to wrap with a review of this forgotten villain. What is the current value of  Jack O' Lantern's first appearance in Machine Man #19? Further, what are the best grades to invest in from a total return over the last three years?

 

Machine Man #19

Tom DeFalco created this pumpkin person in February of 1981 which officially makes this yet another Bronze Age key.  He had the able art assistance of two of the industries best Frank Miller and Steve Ditko. Can this Jack O' Lantern ever treat us to profits? Possibly, think about this scenario that could unfold. If Sony and Disney have another falling out, the use of this character would be a way to bypass Sony's ownership of all the Amazing Spider-Man franchise as this guy appears under the Machine Man title.  In addition, I think Goblin's name in Spidey has been overused. The Jack O' Lantern would be like pumpkin spice in the restroom, better than the alternative smell.

As with all things involving investing money, "the devil is in the details." Best to keep all the spirits and undead at bay with little cold hard facts. Unlike the first appearance of Hobgoblin, this book Machine Man #19 is limited in run size. Further, the total CGC Census is only 160 issues.  This is a barely tapped opportunity to invest in a book not many own. All it would take is one big movie. With talk of Moon Knight, and a host of harrowing horror hooligans we might very well see Jack O' Lantern thrive in this environment.

Returns 3-Years

Title Grade Last Sale Return
Machine Man #19 9.8 $349 +27%
9.6 $147 +12%
9.4 $56 +34%
9.2 $95 +87%

Conclusion

The bottom line is this book Machine Man #19 is not exactly ringing the registers all over the country. However, it is returning solid results over a three-year time frame, with zero hype. This is a book that has been forgotten for the most part. The character has been superseded by Hobgoblin but for no other reason than creative choice.  In my mind, a supernatural Jack O' Lantern would be truly interesting and maybe even exciting. I believe this has already happened once in the comics with a Ghost Rider run-in and fight with Jack O' Lantern, it was pretty good action.

This is no trick and actually ends up being a big treat for speculators. The ability to pick up a near mint comic under $100 that is a key first appearance from the Bronze Age; well, it is simply a raw occurrence nowadays.  The return range on  Machine Man #19 is between +12%-87% depending on grade.  In this environ you could pick up a grade 9.4 pretty cheap, maybe even $50.  Now I call that profitable pumpkin a real treat. Happy holidays!