The lists are constantly changing based upon the sales data. My analysis was performed on March 20 at 8pm and a few books changed positions on the list but not enough to change the three books that were rising stars. This data is based on sales volume, not values, from the last 30 days. So without further delay, let us get to the data...
I. Bronze Age #1 Book on the Move (Gold Medal)
Amazing Spider-Man #209: +62 Spots
A. Key Features Of The Book
I must admit that I was surprised to see the Amazing Spider-Man #209 cover in my search. This issue is the first appearance of Calypso. Calypso has been both a villain to Spider-Man and love interest/semi-antagonist for Kraven the Hunter. Her first appearance is the key feature of the book. This fact is very important in our Future Outlook analysis section.
B. External Factors Driving This Book
The Marvel Cinematic Universe flexed its muscles again, or did it? Ariana Debose was cast in the Kraven the Hunter movie with expectations that she would be playing the villain Calypso. This was one of the more recent movie announcements involving a Marvel property. What is unique is that this is a Sony film. Film and television announcements are important in comic book investing, but many people are speculating that the ancillary films are now a part of the MCU, thus Calypso will join the likes of Sandman, Green Goblin, and other characters that never actually appeared in the MCU. Sony films are now being treated like MCU films.
C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data
Rumors of this film have gone on for years, so the data is somewhat impacted. The 1-year to 30-day average only saw a $46 dollar increase ($542-$496) for a 9.8 copy. The 9.6 grades so an even smaller increase of $14 ($227-$213). The dollars are not driving this book, the volume of sales is why this book is climbing the charts. The day after the casting news, multiple sales were recorded. Was this an example of F.O.M.O. or smart investing?
D. Future Outlook
Investing in villains is advisable only if the villain is iconic or the first appearance is in an older book. This issue is one of the many Bronze Age comics, but not one that was in great demand before the announcement. Furthermore, this is a villain that is not exactly appearing in the MCU, but rather the Sony Venom-Morbius-Madame Web Universe. This fact should make you get concerned about investing in this book.
I am also concerned with the characters involved in this film. The first appearance of the Chameleon, also in this film, is Amazing Spider-Man #1. The first appearance of Kraven the Hunter is Amazing Spider-man #15. Both of these issues may be well beyond the ownership potential of many investors in higher grade. The first appearance of Calypso may be those buyers' next-next best choice of the three comic book characters in the film. GoCollect notes many key books in the database, but the first appearance of Calypso is not one of them. That should be a warning sign to really evaluate if this is a book you want to add. Investing in a villain is risky; there may be better choices out there.
If you had this book before in your collection, take advantage of the interest before it dies down, but I would not be someone chasing this book. I would look to other keys for Kraven the Hunter rather than this book.
II. Bronze Age #2 Book on the Move (Silver Medal)
Wolverine Limited Series #4: +59 Spots
A. Key Features Of The Book
This book is the last issue of a landmark mini-series from Frank Miller and Chris Claremont. There are some deaths in this book, but nothing of significance.
B. External Factors Driving This Book
The view that the X-Men and mutants are soon appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been elevating interest in all mutant keys. Wolverine Limited Series #1 is always a highly sought-after book that appears at the top of the Bronze Age Comics list. The reason is that Wolverine's first appearances in Incredible Hulk are often out of the limits of some consumers, so the first issue of the limited series is where may place their bets. A review of the numbers is making me wonder if this trend is reappearing in the limited series.
Wolverine Limited Series #2 is a frequent high flyer that regularly appears at the top of the Bronze Age Comics lists. Now, the two lowest issues of this series were big movers in the last 30 days. Besides our focus book, Wolverine Limited Series #3 moved up 34 spots. The fact that these books are keys and yet affordable makes them much easier to move in volume. Investors and collectors are not immune to the global economy. Lowering your target to fit your budget is a way to keep in the game on a budget.
C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data
9.8 copies appear to be actually dropping in price. The price dropped ten dollars from the 90 to 30-day average ($323 to $313). Every other grade rose in price during this time. This book also had a high volume of sales during this time. These books were moving fast and furious.
D. Future Outlook
I have seen interest in this book rise among collectors and investors looking to add mutant keys with plenty of meat left on the bone. Here is a very compelling mini-series that defined a lot of the mythos of Wolverine. Many Wolverine keys exist but the Frank Miller-Chris Claremont factor makes these books more substantial than those books.
If you are looking for a long-term hold, this is a very viable book. 9.8 books have doubled in value in ten years. Other grades have also risen in value. The best part is you can buy a 40-year-old 9.8 for less than $400. Many investors who cannot find a good copy of Wolverine Limited Series #1 at the right price are settling for this book. The sales volume is going up for this book in much the same way Incredible Hulk #182 has seen for investors and collectors who cannot afford Incredible Hulk #181. There are plenty of copies available, so adding one will not be cost-prohibitive to investors and collectors. It might be wise to add one while you can do so.
I. Bronze Age #3 Book on the Move (Bronze Medal)
Hero for Hire #1:+ 55 Spots
A. Key Features Of The Book
This book is the first appearance of Luke Cage. He is an important hero in the Marvel Universe who has many ties to other characters. In addition, this is the first issue of a very important series. Finally, this book has an easily recognizable cover and work by industry legend John Romita Sr. The trifecta for a comic book investor is a first appearance in a first issue with artwork by a comic book legend that appeals to multiple collectors. This book has it all.
B. External Factors Driving This Book
Fans of the Netflix series were disappointed to hear that the series would be removed from the Netflix platform. This was bad news until their new home was announced...DISNEY +. Then rumors began to appear concerning a Daredevil reboot. I value these rumors more than others because of a few Netflix characters appearing in MCU properties. If SPOILER and SPOILER can make an MCU appearance, fans believe that a Power Man can as well. Interest in this book never died, but now it was heating up.
C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data
This book is all over the place. The 30-day average is $52 MORE for a 7.0 copy versus a 7.5 ($680 for 7.0 versus $652 for 7.5). The highest grade moving is 8.5 which is actually down $91 when you look at the 1 year versus 30-day average. Higher grades are being held but lower grades (5.0-3.0) are moving with some sales volume in the last 30 days and a rise in prices. People want in on this book but only if the price is right. In order to find the right price, you might have to be willing to settle for lower-grade books.
D. Future Outlook That Makes This A Book To Watch
This is a great book to own. A first appearance in a first issue with a legend in the art field is gold. Then you add the fact that this character was already in the MCU and you realize this is one of the few affordable MCU hero books from Bronze Age comics left with meat on the bone. Mike Colter made this character a major hit and if he comes back playing the character you should be left with a good feeling in investing in this book now before the price rises.
Beyond the MCU ties, this is a notable character in the Marvel Comics world. In the Bronze Age, many characters' first appearances are priced out of the reach of most collectors. As a result, investors might be wary of owning a book and holding it for a long period of time to see a good Return on Investment. Yes, the short term looks good with the MCU news, but the long term potential looks even better. Many people are jumping on this book at the right grade and I would suggest you study the numbers and see the grade you should get in on. I know I am.
I. Bronze Age book with Potential
Marvel Premier #28: NEW TO THE LIST
A. Key Features Of The Book
This is the first appearance of the Legion of Monsters. This version of the team was composed of Morbius, Werewolf by Night, Ghost Rider, and Man-Thing.
B. External Factors Driving This Book
The Morbius trailers have aired and fans want more. Fans are seeking Morbius keys and this is one of them. In addition, the market has been hot lately for all things Werewolf by Night. Most were drawn in by the Moon Knight appearances and wondered could there be something in store for Marvel's Werewolf. Some wonder if we may get a scene like the Blade appearance in the Eternals movie. Marvel horror characters always sell, but this book stood out of the top 100 in that it was kind of out of place except for the Moon Knight and Morbius ties. Could there be something else happening here?
C. Reviewing The Key Sales Data
The sales needle is not moving much with only 888 copies in the CGC census. What is interesting is that a 7.5 had a $19 higher 30 day average than a 8.0 copy. One of the reasons is that there are not many copies of this book for sale (16 at the time I am writing this article).
These books are moving because of speculation. The highest grade available was 9.2 copies. These issues seen jumped from $576 in an auction on 2/27 to people paying a flat rate of over $820 for 2 copies three weeks later. I know auctions can produce deals, but that is a really good deal when you look at the fixed price sales. Someone is betting on this book to explode or overpaid on those books. I can understand once but twice makes me wonder a little bit more.
D. Future Outlook That Makes This A Book To Watch
The reason I have this book as a watch is that horror titles have seen a resurgence in demand. In addition, another Marvel Horror team called the Midnight Sons has seen speculators invest in their first appearance. You have to look and wonder if there is something going on that is more than the Morbius key search here. Could investors be betting on a Marvel horror team up?
Another reason I put this book on my first book with potential list is because of what I saw in the Raw market. RAW BOOKS ARE SELLING FOR VERY HIGH PRICES. Few issues in the census have people scrambling to find these books out in the wild. I have been to those hunts and the bloodlust would scare even Morbius! This book is in demand and when a book makes its first appearance on the Hot 100 you have to study it. This book is now your new homework.
What is next?
I will be doing this column every few weeks studying the big movers. Big losers will also be studied. Many times people see a book moving up on the list and assume it is a hot book. Studying the numbers lets us see the real reasons for the books rise. It could be that the book is seeing sales increases because people are dumping it in high sales volumes. A book could also be hot because the price is right when buyers compared that issue to higher-priced comparable books. Only by reviewing the sales data will we get a better picture of the market and what is happening.
Let me know what you think of the Hottest Bronze Age Comics column and the format. As always, I will be listening and tweaking it to meet your needs.
See any surprises? Let us know in the comments!
