Hello everyone, and welcome to the next installment of Investing On A Budget!  The goal of this article series is to provide investors and speculators with low-cost ways to invest in hot properties within the comic book community.  The focus of this article: The Spider-Verse!

What Is The Spider-Verse?

The Spider-Verse is the collection of different Spider characters from across Marvel's multiple universes and any adventures they have together.  The name comes from the 2014 comic book storyline written by Dan Slott that saw all the existing Spider characters unite against the vicious Inheritors, vampire-like beings who feed on the energy of animal-related characters.

Since that event, the Spider-Verse has become a huge part of Marvel, inspiring several different follow-up events and the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.  With two sequels to that film on the way, and the news that they will include over 240 different characters from across the multiverse, investor interest in the Spider-Verse has arguably never been higher.

The following is an attempt to help investors identify which Spider-Verse books can still be found for a reasonable price that could one day see a big increase in value.

What If? Vol. 1 #23

TLDR: First appearance of Aunt May as Spider-Ma'am plus some interesting MCU stuff

This book is easily one of my favorite budget investments because it has so many different ways of generating a return on investment.  First, regarding the Spider-Verse, this book contains the first appearance of Spider-Ma'am, an Aunt May from an alternate universe who gained spider-powers instead of Peter.

There is so much humor to be derived from the premise of Aunt May, who has almost exclusively been portrayed as old and relatively meek, finally being able to cut loose and kick some ass.  Introducing this character in either of the Into The Spider-Verse sequels would not be difficult and could be accomplished via an alternate universe or by having the Aunt May introduced in the first film somehow gaining powers as well.

In addition to Spider-Ma'am, this book contains the first appearance of Hulk as a barbarian (which caused a brief spike in value earlier this year when rumors of a Planet Hulk film were circulating) and the origin of the Eternals.  Granted, the film for the latter group was not exactly a rousing success, but it seems unlikely that Marvel would completely drop all those characters from future films and shows.  All in all, this book is a great investment and can still be easily found for less than ten bucks.  Low risk, high reward.

Spider-Girl Vol. 1 #0

TLDR: First solo title and first reprint of Spider-Girl's first appearance

Spider-Girl is one of the best characters Marvel has ever created and has an incredibly dedicated fan base (That, after all, is the reason that the original Spider-Girl series still stands as the longest-running female-led comic ever published by Marvel).  As a result, her first appearance, What If? #105, is very expensive, especially in higher grades or when talking about the newsstand edition.

Fortunately, there is another option: Spider-Girl #0.  This book has three things going for it.  First, it is the first reprint of Spider-Girl's first appearance, which automatically makes it a great alternative investment.  Second, the low print run of the book allows investors to take advantage of the economic principle of scarcity.  And Third, this is the first solo title book for the character, making it a key artifact in her overall comic book history.  The book is still affordable right now, but that will change very quickly if Spider-Girl shows up in a film or television show, so be sure not to miss out

Spider-Verse Vol. 1 #2

TLDR: First cover appearance of Spider-Punk

It blows my mind that this book is still as cheap as it is.  Spider-Punk is clearly a character with a star on the rise.  Rumors have been swirling for months now that he will be making an appearance in the Into The Spider-Verse sequels and is currently enjoying his own solo series.

Admittedly, it's not the best cover for Spider-Punk specifically. But a first is a first (except for all the times where it isn't).  Speculators should be able to pick up this book with confidence. Especially those who are willing to hold on to it long-term in case Spider-Punk has a major breakout moment.

Web Warriors #1

TLDR: First team book for the Web Warriors

The Web Warriors are a team of Spider characters from different worlds who band together to help protect the multiverse from a great threat.  The upcoming Into The Spider-Verse sequels are going to be about a team of Spider characters from different worlds who band together to help protect the multiverse from a great threat.

With this level of overlap, it would not be very difficult for the Web Warriors to be formally adapted.  Technically, the team first formed in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 #15, but they were never referred to as the Web Warriors until this book.  This book is a layup for adaptation and, at such a low cost, is effectively a risk-free bet.

Marvel 1602: New World #4

TLDR: First Appearance of The Spider, a 17th-century version of Spider-Man

With over 240 characters slated to appear in the upcoming Into The Spider-Verse sequels, it seems highly unlikely that every character will get a full introduction and backstory.  Given that assumption, investors would be wise to focus on characters that are highly unique and visually distinct, lest their investments go to waste as the wider comic speculation community fails to recognize who has shown up.

(For example: It would be incredibly easy for people to mistake Man-Spider, the six-armed Spider-Man clone who first appeared in Mutant X #5, with Peter Parker from Amazing Spider-Man #100, when Peter first gained six arms.  In that situation, Mutant X #5 investors would have a much harder time turning a profit from their speculation).

That is what makes The Spider a great investment.  His entire character design is very distinct and would be difficult to confuse with somebody else.  Furthermore, his home world is very different from those of other spider-characters; his inclusion in a film would expand the storytelling opportunities available.  This book will never be worth hundreds of dollars. Still, that does not mean it cannot still provide investors with a solid return.

Conclusion

That's all for this entry of Investing on a Budget!  Let me know of any other great budget Spider-Verse books you can think of. Or if you have any suggestions for characters you'd like to see a writeup for.  Happy Hunting!

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*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.