The latest news on the Shang Chi movie has confirmed the Mandarin will return to the MCU. No, not that simpering creature played beautifully by Ben Kingsley. Rather the ultimate version of Mandarin with alien-powered rings and a deadly mustache. The Mandarin first appeared for Marvel Comics in Tales of Suspense #50. It was created by the pencil team of Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, and Steve Ditko. Stan "The Man" Lee wrote the script in 1964. Mandarin is a super-powered martial artist that can split Iron Man's armor with repeated blows and sustain himself through his mystical chi-force. In addition, he is one of Earth's top scientific geniuses and an expert on the alien tech that powers his ten deadly rings. "The Mandarin was ranked as IGN's 81st Greatest Comic Book Villian of All Time." Can this top 100 villain and primary foe of Iron Man produce a profitable investment, or is he just all bling?
The first appearance of the Mandarin was in Tales of Suspense #50. For many years afterward, he battled Iron Man and even War Machine. With alien tech, a scientific genius, and martial arts prowess, he was more than a match for any version of Iron Man. Now apparently, we will get to see him in action against Shang Chi. This is going to be a fun matchup. The entire production is done by Asian Americans including the lead actor. This is a very smart way for Disney to have its cake and eat it too. After all, they won't be accused of racial stereotypes; if the persons creating the character are the same background as the character. Mandarin was a bit of a stereotype back in the 60s. But now, the magic of Disney is going to bring him fairer limelight, but is this mustache twirling 60s villain profitable?
Long-Term Returns:
- Grade 9.8 $21000 FMV returns positive N/A
- Grade 9.2 $2900 FMV returns positive +107.3%
- Grade 8.0 $575 FMV returns positive +29.2%
- Grade 6.0 $300 FMV returns positive +36%
- Grade 4.0 $190 FMV returns positive +40.2%
The long-term returns for Tales of Suspense #50 are standard for this Silver Age key book. There was only one 9.8 sale so unable to provide the high-end return, but the other grades yielded a wealth of info. Just buying a near mint minus 9.2 for $2900 FMV has averaged +107.3% return. Furthermore, the lower grades are participating, 4.0 returns close to +40.2%. This book is a buy and holds long-term investment, bling or no bling.
Short-Term Returns:
- Grade 9.8 $21000 FMV returns positive N/A
- Grade 9.2 $2900 FMV returns positive +93.6%
- Grade 8.0 $575 FMV returns positive +38.4%
- Grade 6.0 $300 FMV returns negative -14.9%
- Grade 5.0 $190 FMV returns positive +64.1%
If you want to speculate going into the movie in two years be my guest. Almost every grade is in double digits and 9.2 has returned +93.6%, try getting that in the stock market. Only one grade is lagging, I just consider that a skewed number. Perhaps someone trying to sell quickly. Regardless of the funky green pants suit and purple codpiece, this villain will rock modern audiences. Remember: "The Mandarin serves no nation!" However, Tales of Suspense #50 will serve up substantial speculation between now and movie release.
