As we all know, costume changes for iconic characters such as Spider-Man function as catalysts for driving up prices. For example, Amazing Spider-Man #252 (ASM #252) is one of the hottest books of the Modern Age; the value of CGC 9.8 copies of this book have increased by nearly 30% over the past three years. This book also has a beautiful cover, swiping Amazing Fantasy #15's iconic cover.

Costume Changes: Daredevil #7

Daredevil #7

Another good example is Daredevil #7 (1965) -- the very first time we see Daredevil's iconic all-red costume. Like ASM #129, Daredevil #7's cover also prominently features Daredevil's new costume; the costume everyone knows and loves.

Collectors highly value the first appearance of this costume; so much so that Daredevil #7 is the second most expensive Daredevil issue, after Daredevil #1.

Some other costume changes for iconic characters haven't much of an impact on prices though; we'll discuss two of those below.

Captain America #337 (1987)

Costume Changes: Captain America 337A recent BGR report claimed that Chris Evans may return to the MCU to reprise his iconic role as Steve Rogers. If he does, he likely won't appear as Captain America since Sam Wilson will likely take up that mantle at the conclusion of Falcon & the Winter Soldier. Instead, he may return as the "Captain," a persona that Steve Rodgers adopted in Captain America #337 (CA #337). In that role, Steve wears a new, mostly black, costume.

Similar to the black costume and cover swipe for ASM #252, CA #337's cover also calls back to another iconic Jack Kirby cover - Avengers #4, with Steve also wearing an all-black costume. While this comic has steadily been increasing in value (roughly an 82% increase in value for a CGC 9.8 copy over the past three years), this comic is still very affordable -- you can probably purchase a CGC 9.8 copy for around $100. If Chris Evans does return and wears this costume, it will likely blow up. Keep an eye out now.

X-Men #139 (1980)

Another comic that contains the first appearance of a classic costume for an iconic character -- this time, Wolverine -- is The Uncanny X-Men #139. As a child, I loved Wolverine's brown and tan costume. It's more understated than his loud, yellow costume and reflects his growth into a more mature member of the team. Following the tragic death of Jean Grey just two issues earlier, this costume seemed more somber and appropriate.

Unlike ASM #252, Daredevil #7, and CA #337, investors haven't paid much attention to the first appearance of Wolverine's new costume. Prices for this book have actually fallen for certain CGC grades; for example, CGC 9.0 copies have fallen by 38.7% over the past three years. Investors probably overlook this issue because of its cover -- Wolverine's more of a footnote and is still wearing his yellow costume on its cover. Still, this could be a good time to buy this issue especially if the MCU's version of Wolverine ever dons this suit.

Closing Thoughts

What are some other first appearances of iconic costumes? Are these costume changes for the better or should they have left them alone? Please leave your opinions in the comments below!

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