Interest in secondary key comics has been growing in popularity over the last several years. The secondary key hierarchy starts with the first (full) appearance being top-dog, the cameo (usually just one panel), the origin story, and then further down the list second and even third appearances. It probably started out with the younger generation looking for better prices and instead investing in the secondary keys. This allows access to the price appreciation from a particular character. Further, it is a darned good way for newbies to jump into the speculative market. I pulled a couple of keys I have been reviewing for this blog, namely Werewolf by Night #33, Amazing Spider-Man #135, and finally Amazing Spider-Man #362 the second appearance of Carnage.
Moon Knight has always been Marvel's weak spiritual cousin to Batman. Most of us just liked him for the multiple personality disorder and the cool crescent moon darts he would impale people with. Mark Spector a.k.a. Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 but unfortunately, if you don't own it by now, then higher grades are probably out of reach. The most recent sale of Werewolf by Night #32 grade 9.8 sold for $50,000 on ComicLink in 2019. That is certainly enough to make you howl at the moon! But what do we mere mortals do to get in on the action? We turn and buy the second appearance which is going up too but certainly not as much. Werewolf by Night #33 was created by Doug Moench (script), Gil Kane and Don Perlin (pencils) in 1975. Does this lunar lunatic still provide profit for millions of middle-class Moonie-Speculators?
Werewolf by Night #33 Long-Term Returns:
- Grade 9.6 $650 FMV returns positive +65.7%
- Grade 8.0 $110 FMV returns positive +11.6%
- Grade 6.5 $55 FMV returns positive +22.9%
These kind of returns are a good example that second appearances are a good investment strategy for newbies. Early appearances matter even if they are not the first appearance. "The Fist of Khonshu" (Moon Knight) is profitable and a good lesson in thinking "outside the box," as an investor. New comic book collectors should take to heart and spread out their collections across different keys both primary and secondary. The returns are comparable to many first appearance keys, now this is not always the case. Bottom line, you have to do your homework.
Amazing Spider-Man #135The second appearance of the Punisher has a truly cool cover, almost as appealing as his first appearance in ASM #129. That being said the second appearance of The Punisher in Amazing Spider-Man #135 is profitable to own. The ship may have left the dock on this one, but it is not out of the harbor, not yet. Sure the series was just canceled recently and has been a setback. Who knows what actor will play The Punisher in the future? Be that as it may, wherever there is punishment; there is profit.
Amazing Spider-Man #135 Long-Term Returns:
- Grade 9.6 $625 FMV returns positive +56.8%
- Grade 8.5 $160 FMV returns positive +36.6%
- Grade 6.5 $90 FMV returns positive +54.2%
These are some jaw-dropping returns for this special forces anti-hero. This is an easy buy because the cover has a great depiction and this issue can hold its own in the Punisher arena.
This key book has a big catalyst with a movie in production Venom 2; which will prominently display Carnage and all his fanged symbiote glory. Amazing Spider-Man #362 is the second appearance of Carnage with the movie to follow. Carnage was created by David Michelinie (script) and Mark Bagley (art) in 1992. This carnivorous creature is Venom's nemesis and the main challenge in Venom 2. At least now Venom will have something alien to take on; after all, I was getting sick of him eating bald military guys. This second appearance is profitable and still available retail is selling it under $20. Can Carnage help claw our way to profit?
Amazing Spider-Man #362 Long-Term Returns:
- Grade 9.8 $75 FMV returns positive +29.1%
- Grade 8.5 $30 FMV returns positive +188.4%
- Grade 7.5 $22 FMV returns positive +176.2%
I sold one of these online at a sub $20 price tag and realized the market price was moving much higher. Then I found a copy in a retail outlet and immediately snapped it up. As you can tell by these returns Carnage is in play in a big way. Long-Term, he is a solid bet, in the speculative roulette wheel of life bet on red, bet on Carnage. His second appearance is reaching liftoff velocity don't be left behind.
