Sometimes a book can defy the market and make some amazing gains in a short amount of time. Recently, it seems that most value pops happen when a character is exposed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Comic pricing can be inconsistent, at best, due to a few factors: buyers may overpay due to limited supply...sellers may undervalue due to limited knowledge of the market...and sometimes in an auction format things just go wonky, whether crazy high or really low. Then the question becomes, how do you hit the best targets when the market is constantly in flux?Speculation is trying to find those moments of value that are both attainable and calculable. If you know a book is overpriced you may want to avoid it, from my own experience I have learned that you can't scoop up all the value out there. One of my favorite first appearance books on the market is Daredevil #131, which features the first appearance of the villain Bullseye. The character, Bullseye, is a cult favorite among comic fans...I think it is the bulls-eye themed attire that cuts straight to the chase with no overthought. With a census of 69 available copies in 9.8 grade, this is a fairly plentiful book for being such a highly sought after Key. However, this book does not come up on the market often as you would expect because collectors hold on tightly to this book. Daredevil #131 has been quite the data anomaly over the past few years. In 2017, copies sold around the $1500 price point, with copies going as low as $1300. At some point in 2018, prices hit higher targets and sales jumped to the $2300-$2400 price range. Any future 9.8's that hit the market will definitely be listed at or above the $2400 price range, unless as mentioned, you find a seller who does not recognize the market value and tries to sell at a price point that is lower than market (Update since drafting this: a 9.8 was listed on eBay a few days ago for $2500).
Reminder to the readers: even though Bullseye was in the Daredevil Netflix series, we are seeing a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) type of price jumps for a character that has not been in a movie. That is good, and a bit on the crazy side. It truly shows that the character is a smart investment regardless of any future introductions in TV, movies, etc. As many speculators try to cash in on the potential of a character's MCU release, it is prudent to stick with a sure thing when you can. I bet there are few collectors that would pass up a copy of Daredevil #131 in a 9.8 grade if they had the means to attain one. That is the type of book you want in your collection...a book that collectors will desire. While a lesser known, albeit similar character, Taskmaster is currently receiving a huge price inflation due to speculation rumors, in the end a character like Bullseye will be a more solid collection target to hit.
Do you feel like proven or cult characters hold an advantage on the market? Is there a first appearance book that you would love to stash away in your collection? Drop your comments and join the speculation!
