Horror comics surged in popularity in the 1970's during the Bronze Age. "The 1971 revision to the Comics Code has seen relaxing of the rules on the use of.." horror monsters such as "... vampires, ghouls, and werewolves in comic books. This allows the growth of many supernatural and horror-oriented titles, such as Swamp Thing, Ghost Rider and The Tomb of Dracula, among numerous others" (Wiki).

One sought-after spooky speculation is Marvel Spotlight #2 (1972) with a script by Roy (the barbarian) Thomas. Two master artists Neal Adams, and Mike Ploog do crackerjack art in this comic. These guys created the first appearance of the creature the Werewolf by Night. This book is actively pursued as a buy and hold by many collectors. I have sold three copies on the internet and stopped there as I was having trouble finding another copy at a reasonable price. The price of a rag copy of Marvel Spotlight #2 is about $60-$90 on eBay. Rag is my combo term for raw +garbage, perhaps a little overzealous buy fine minus for almost $100! That would make anyone sit up and howl. The day of the 1970's horror has arrived.

Is there a hair-raising high return for this frightfully fanged comic? Possibly. The highest sale for a (9.6) grade is $1900 about three years ago. Since that time this particular grade lost 23%, not exactly the kind of return we are looking for. However, most grades have a different story to tell. For instance, a 9.4 sold for about $600 six years ago and about 300 days ago that same book went for $890 (GoCollect). This represents a 50% return with most of the lower grades showing significant gains.

If we review prices in a short time frame, say the last three months grade of (3.0) sold for $34, but it had 20 bids on eBay! Everything above (6.0) was over $105 quite a shocking metamorphosis. These books are just going up. The Bronze Age is quietly gaining momentum, as the 20th Century slips away like a newspaper blown down a city street. There probably isn't a movie anywhere on the horizon, but horror always has a fan base. There is no need for a catalyst for this Bronze Age 1972 comic book. Marvel Spotlight #2 is over forty years old and will continue to rise like the moon over Manhattan.

Superman #199

This issue first appeared in the summer of 1967. All kids wonder which hero is the strongest, the most indestructible, or fastest? What better superheroes to debate than Superman vs. Flash in a speed contest. Superman #199 is a contest between Flash and Superman during the Silver Age; with a cover by Ross Andru and script by Jack Harris. The showdown between these two comic book icons is a must own. Flash is currently one of the top-rated series on Netflix. It has swiftly overtaken the younger Z-Generation in popularity.

Superman #199 is an essential collectible and pillar of the DC universe. It sells for $397 on average in a very fine plus grade (8.5); further, the return on this grade has been 46% long-term. That is not shabby for a Silver Age key (GoCollect). This comic book shows 498 slabbed issues from the current CGC census. This is a must have to own, sort of a staple of the Silver Age. Even my local comic shop proprietor says, "I can't keep this book in stock it always sells, and there is always someone looking for one." Anecdotal evidence is useful, and after all; this guy owns the largest retail comic store in our Metro area.

In the final analysis, Superman #199 has staying power and is a safe bet for speculator and collector alike. If you can snatch any available copy and sprint home your collection will greatly benefit from this purchase.