HulkThe Incredible Hulk is the Mr. Hyde personality in each of us. Hiding behind our thin veneer of civilization lurks the "beast." What happens after any major auto accident? Chaos! At our most basic, we are just apes in suits. Anyone can snap, given the right circumstance. Hulk is popular because everyone can relate to "losing it" at least once in their life. This inner beast has allowed a fairly bland "Hulk Smash!" character to super-leap into the hearts of Americans everywhere. Can Dr. Banner-Mr. Hulk shine in a stand-alone movie?

Recently it has hit the internet that Marvel has retained control of the Hulk rights. What does this mean? After all, we have seen Hulk in the Avengers haven't we? Yes, he has been part of a team in Marvel. But the last standalone movie Incredible Hulk in 2008 was actually "distributed by Universal Pictures with production by Marvel Studios and Valhalla Motion Pictures" (Wiki). With Hulk firmly in the hands of Marvel and its larger parent company Disney; now, they can create spinoff stand-alone movies with this popular green demon. Which comics are worth picking up and why?

 

 

The Incredible Hulk #102The Incredible Hulk #102

The Hulk franchise has many potential stories from the comics that could be turned into a movie. His origin story in the late 60s comes to mind. The Incredible Hulk #102  was created by Gary Friedrich (script) and Marie Severin (pencils) in 1968. This book is a solid key though not as popular as his first appearance in Incredible Hulk #1 or the powerhouse Incredible Hulk #181. However, starting the titled series again makes this a double key, both origin story and new series first. I hope the next movie is not an origin movie, but if so this may be the best bet. After all, the very pricey Incredible Hulk #1 is out of reach. What are The Incredible Hulk #102 long-term returns, for "the mindless beast that plays, at being a man...?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

HulkLong-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $3,451 last sale 6-12-19 returned negative -26%
  • Grade 9.6 $1,501 last sale 9-11-19 returned positive +40%
  • Grade 9.2 $444 last sale 11-17-19 returned positive +10.5%
  • Grade 8.5 $277 last sale 12-21-19 returned positive +34.5%
  • Grade 6.5 $115 last sale 12-11-09 returned positive +25.5%

Overtime this book makes money to be sure. However, I don't like the fact that grade 3.5 sold on 8-27-19 for $63 and grade 7.0 sold for only $131 on 12-23-19. Anytime you go 3.5 grades higher you should see a much higher price point for the mid-grades. Currently, they are cheap in my humble proto-ape opinion. Recent short-term returns have been negative. Hopefully, due to the Thanos wrap up Endgame and not some other unknown variable.

 

 

Hulk #1Hulk #1

The first Red Hulk was Thunderbolt Ross. It makes a lot of sense if you are going to have the Thunderbolts appear in the Marvel Universe; then why not Ross as Red Hulk? He makes a great intro for the Thunderbolts. Besides, folks love the Red Hulk adaptation. It would make a great matchup. Hulk #1 is from volume 3 and was created by Jeph Loeb (script) and Ed McGuinness (pencils) in 2008. The Red Hulk has a following but is he profitable as speculation?

Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $100 last sale 12-26-19 returns positive +27.8%
  • Grade 9.2 $53 last sale 1-3-20 returns positive +37%
  • Grade 8.0 $26 last sale 1-8-18 returns positive +19%

 

Conclusion:

The obvious catalyst here is Marvel now owns the rights to Hulk movies. The two books reviewed are both in a modest price range for most speculators. You could buy a Hulk #1 in grade 9.8 for $100. Further, The Incredible Hulk #102 has an even better track record but costs only a few hundred dollars for near mint-minus. These picks are both easy to buy in and great bets on a future movie. Let's hope one these spec-plays pays off, otherwise, speculators will be raging like the Hulk at your local comic store.

 

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